NayoSoul: Nigeria’s Next Great Jazz/Soul Singer
Life is a beautiful masterpiece and every one creates their piece of art in their own special way. For singer-songwriter NayoSoul, music has always been on her mind since the age of fourteen. She grew up singing in the choir, began writing her own songs and soon after the sounds of her music reached many people’s hearts and continues to imprint everlasting memories. Here, NayoSoul talks to TWMagazine.net about her childhood, inspiration, and the single most difficult challenge jazz/soul musicians face today in Nigeria.
Interview by Ope L. Akinyemi
TW: What makes someone a ‘jazz’ singer?
NayoSoul: It’s in the sound, style and arrangement of music. The creativity with basic tunes and chord patterns. Jazz music is different and that’s why I love it.
TW: Was soul/ jazz always a passion for you? Who are your favorite soul/jazz artists?
NayoSoul: Oh Yes it was. It’s never changed. Right now I have Bruno Mars and Ella Fitzgerald on repeat.
TW: In your opinion, what is the single most difficult challenge musicians in your genre face today in Nigeria?
NayoSoul: The single most difficult challenge today is acceptance. Nigerians accepting something as subtle as soul music can be very difficult.
TW: What was growing up like for you?
NayoSoul: Growing up was awesome to be honest. I grew up in a house filled with music, which in turn informed my interest in this industry at a young age. My grandma, mother, aunties and two older sisters were all a part of the church choir at various stages in my life. And not wanting to feel left out I joined the choir as well. There’s been no turning back for me since then!
TW: What influenced your career decision?
Nayosoul: Joining the choir and having a fascinating choir director was my first introduction to music. My long-time manager Evander Aniemeke was the second step. I don’t say this much but he pushed me into doing this full time and I haven’t stopped since.
TW: Who and/or what inspires you?
NayoSoul: I am moved by nature. My mind immediately goes to my surroundings when I sit down to write music. Sitting on my balcony in perfect weather or driving home all by myself gives me a clear mind to {come up with words} or use my voice recorder in creating something new.
TW: Your songs show real humanity and compassion – can you explain why?
NayoSoul: I think it is because of how I write. I like to dig deep and create from the soul.
TW: Are you working on an album? And what do you hope to achieve with it?
NayoSoul: I have decided to release an EP instead of an album. It’s titled ‘Journey to Self’ and it will be out shortly. Hopefully, more people pay attention to my music, before the album itself comes out. The EP is a forerunner.
TW: When you`re not working, what do you do to relax?
Nayosoul: I listen to a lot of indie music when I’m not working.
TW: What`s next for NayoSoul?
NayoSoul: My first official video will also be out soon and it is for my latest single titled ‘Go where you are’. In Scotland, I recently shot promotional unplugged video sessions for some songs on the EP, which will also be out soon.