Sometimes, it’s just the sound; put on repeat and it’s even more than magic. If AYÜÜ wants me to be a murderer, this is the confluence of my thoughts and I’m considering it. Maybe it’s not enough to call the police, AYÜÜ rhythmically commanded that the jailer (no, not the one ASA sang about), throw the keys away after locking her. Few tracks later, he’s asking if she’s free on Saturday, maybe they can roll a blunt, lay low and have her for dinner, in that order.
That’s the kind of of guy AYÜÜ is, he’s echoes of someone who got lost in a phase of love where emotions faulted the laws of affection, but this time he is not scared or weak to let his heart out.
Another time, I could swear with him that love is cheap dangerous drug worth staying away from, it didn’t take too long before we lost temper and resumed running in circles. AYÜÜ is trips, a crafted blend of contemporary sound, urban life and R&B but we do know that excursions are life enriching experiences. Efe Oraka may still be asking for more time on H.E.R but the eclectic sound designer and I spent plenty time talking about the soul behind the scenes, his music, a particular girl, his art of creation and upcoming projects.
So what’s going on with Ayüü?
Summer 2017 was quite busy and SAFI also came through with a show too.
AYÜÜ: Man, I’m constantly working. Could be writing, recording or mixing and mastering.. doesn’t matter, as long as I’m sharpening my sword. But honestly though, it’s a lot of planning and networking going on right now. It’s been a decent year in terms of reception to the Ayüü brand and we planted a seed with The Wallflower Experience, big shoutout to Lady Donli, but I’m far from satisfied. There’s so much work to be done and done properly; you know, execution being key and whatnot.
Talking about the Ayüü brand, what birthed the vision? Has this always been the plan?
Had it always been music or was it something you stumbled on through the journey?
AYÜÜ: Funny story actually. So I always say music is my last chance of being happy [don’t wanna go into too much detail on that right now], upon that realisation, i knew it was time to make the switch from D-Boi to something more real, more me. I was still hella reluctant to be honest, then i got to Lagos and everything just kinda happened organically. Met up with Odunsi to work on ‘Murderer’ & during one of the random conversations we had, he said “guy change your name” LOL. Fast forward a week later, my friend’s brother suggests Ayüü and it all made sense, seeing as that’s my surname.
Hahaha no one ever told me about the origin story. Well, there’s something different about your sound, How did you find your voice?
AYÜÜ: Hahaha I’m so happy you know now bro. Well, don’t watch that; I’m too poor to afford my actual style so for now it’s just me being me. Practice helped me find my voice. I let whatever inspires me, inspire me and try to make sure i’m always polishing my skills. That way you’re constantly learning new things about yourself and using that to your advantage. Even your weaknesses can be your strengths when you’re aware of them. I’m also pretty keen on listening and taking advice. I remember crying [not literally] to Donli about not being able to sing like this & that, and she basically reminded me that I’m not meant to be able to sing like anyone but myself, so yeah! know your place fam [word to Aubrey].
Who and what influences your music?
Also, do you makes good music for everyone or you’ve a target niche?
What? feelings? who? everyone.
I draw from real life feelings and experiences every time i write. I particularly said feelings because i’m a very emotional guy and when i ‘feel’ it’s pretty intense. It’s not always good but it’s kept the real ones around and i’m grateful. Anyway, it doesn’t necessarily have to be about me but once i can connect with it or feel whatever emotion, i can interpret it in song. It’s really difficult for me to give a concise list of people who inspire me because the names are endless, and this actually reflects in my music. I listen to anything sonically appeasing, but y’all should know i really be bumping these young legends more than the mainstream stuff.
Which then brings me to the question: There are so many Afros out there today- afrobeats, afrosoul, afrotrap, afrofusion and many more that I can’t even remember, what’s your view on African style of music?
AYÜÜ: It’s amazing really and I’m 100% here for it. People have this misconstrued idea that I love Africa and Nigeria because of the little African elements I add to my style and music, I mean even my collective SAFI, means purity in Swahili. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying i don’t, I’d honestly just rather love it from a distance. You know the Nigerian dream? [love nigeria from ‘the overseas’ lol].
What i’m truly in love with is the potential, and it kills me that we don’t live up to this because Nigeria for example, could EASILY be one the best places to be born in the world. We literally compete at the highest levels in other fields and excel if I might add, and still completely dominate in our own elements.
Anyway my point is, everything is better with a lot more melanin so please fuse away! Another shoutout to everyone that’s tapping into their roots and creating magic, we need you!
As for a niche, No. I try to make music for everyone. In fact, i’m a lot more proud when older people vibe to my records because i believe they know what actual music sounds like. They had such amazing and timeless music in their era, it reassures me i’m on the right track when they love my sounds.
Talking about potentials, there’s a new wave of energy that has sprawled across the continent, Africans are beginning to do crazy things; the kids are beginning to create, like never before.
It’s an awakening, being a part of this culture, what are your expectations, your dreams for the future?
AYÜÜ:The takeover is eminent. They know it, we know it and at this point, it’s only a matter of time. It’s not even going to be a takeover as such, it’ll be us establishing a solid platform for ‘our kind’ to excel. Truth is we’re not exactly fighting for their spot, they can keep it. I personally believe we need what’s currently in place to remain there, the real fight is to create our own as there is space for everyone to succeed. It’s a ‘the stars never crowd the sky’ mentality i’ve chosen to believe in. This is obviously in the horizon, it’s coming soon and we can all feel it. i’m very excited for the future.
I’ve always wanted to ask about the emotions behind Murderer, or was it just you being the amazing lover AYÜÜ? Your music is words soaked in spiritual flows, fucking relatable. For me, there’s so much hidden behind the lyrics. That’s why I asked.
AYÜÜ: This is the truth bro!
*sigh*. It hurts a lot to talk about records from my ep right now but i’ll fill y’all in. So i recently found true love [lost it but that’s besides the point] and finally got to understand what it means to really only be about one person. ‘Murderer’ is about all the other girls who tried to change that, the girls i’d literally tell i have a girl and spend hours talking about my girl to, but would still try to get into my pants (shaking my head). It’s the only record on H.E.R that isn’t about her but it’s probably the one that fully captures just how much i loved [still love] her.
“telling her i’m involved, with another person o, i won’t stick my dick in all sorts of shit not all men are animals..”
There’s usually a lot to take from my lyrics and i guess it’s so relatable because these are everyday experiences that happen to all of us so yeah, you’re right to dig deeper.
4UÜ used to be my life track, that’s how hard I fucked with it.
What’s your relationship with Donli? I can bet many people have been digging hard to know this.
AYÜÜ: Always appreciate you bro! Even i like that record and I don’t really be liking my shit.
LOL zee baby, zee faya, zee pepper, that’s my musical soulmate right there. Donli is family man, I always say I couldn’t have picked a better partner because she’s just an A1 person all round.
Mad funny because we never agree on a lot but we work near perfectly together, it’s dope. Yeah people are always trynna insinuate more than what it is, heck even my father, who absolutely loves her by the way. He thinks she’s my girl. Anyway na una sabi, love you sis!
She has my back and I have hers. For life.
So what’s next for Ayüü?
Anybody you’re planning to work with?
AYÜÜ: That’s honestly for GOD to decide. He’s gotten me this far so I know great things are coming as long as I keep my head down, trust him and keep working.
Yo I’m currently working with some of my faves. I’m talking people I’ve been bumping since secondary school, obviously not gonna call any names but my next single should feature a special someone. I call him sensei.
My number 1 target is burna boy though. Once i work with burna, nobody can talk to me again. My shoulders will finally elevate and i will carry them with pride ya bish.
I’m just happy they heard it here first! But Ayüü and burna is certainly the end of the game, I’m here rooting and waiting bro!
Black is the new pop, everyone wants to be associated. What’s your advice for every young person out there willing to create?
The game seems interesting but it is certainly deeper that a lot of people see it.
AYÜÜ: They’re not ready for real.
I don’t think i’m in a position to be throwing out advice to young creatives just yet, especially because I’m a young creative who’s just getting started as well. I have four major life principles that keep me in check – peace, love, vibrations and awareness [another topic i’d love to explain some other time]. So all i can say is, stay true to yourself but also free your mind, search for more and strive to vibrate higher, only then can we truly see the world dreamer.