Aayo: How Lagos Hustle and Yoruba Roots Shape a New Afrobeats Voice

Emerging from Lagos, a city known for its relentless pace and creative intensity, Ayodeji Akinde represents a generation of artists shaped by both cultural depth and survival instincts. As the youngest in a large family, he grew up observing resilience early, an attribute that now defines his artistic journey.

Music entered his life through the Cherubim and Seraphim church, where sound and spirituality are inseparable. Singing in choirs, rehearsing for choreographed church concerts, and playing percussion instruments formed his earliest musical training. These experiences didn’t just teach him technique; they instilled discipline and reverence for sound.

In 2016, Aayo relocated to the United States, a move that exposed him to broader musical influences while sharpening his sense of identity. Distance from home became clarity rather than confusion. It was during this period that he recognised music as more than passion—it was purpose.

By 2018, that realisation materialised into action with the release of his first single. The studio experience was transformative. For the first time, his ideas translated into professionally produced sound, confirming his belief that growth was inevitable if he stayed committed.

Musically, Aayo stands at an intersection. While Afrobeats anchors his sound, his work incorporates elements of trap, Afro-fusion, and contemporary global styles. Yet, his Yoruba heritage remains unmistakable. From rhythmic phrasing to storytelling, his cultural background is woven into every performance.

Lagos also gifted him something less musical but equally important: hustle. Navigating the industry independently meant managing logistics, financing projects, and overcoming unexpected setbacks. One incident involving a delayed video shoot due to a vehicle breakdown highlighted the vulnerability of working without a support system.

Rather than discouraging him, such moments strengthened his resolve to build a structured team and long-term vision. His songwriting now draws from lived experiences, aspirations, and deep reflection. Often beginning with melody, his creative process flows intuitively from sound to story.