Afro-soul singer and songwriter Ayola has released his highly anticipated sophomore album, “The Life I Want.” The project dropped in the early hours of Friday, October 11, 2024.
The seven-track masterpiece showcases Ayola’s unique sound and artistry. To celebrate, he will also hold his first-ever musical show today at Kairus Hub in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
The album features standout tracks such as ‘Pass Me By,’ ‘Life I Want,’ ‘I Hope To Be Free,’ and ‘Actor n Boss,’.’ Recorded across Canada and Nigeria, “The Life I Want” blends Highlife, Jazz, Soul, Afro-funk, R&B, and Motown influences.
Ayola’s rich vocal texture weaves these genres together, creating a captivating Indie, folk, and alternative Afrobeats sound that breathes new life into contemporary music.
Hailing from Osun and raised in Ilorin, Kwara State, Ayola—whose full name is Abdullah Abubakre—grew up immersed in music, singing at home and absorbing the timeless Afro-juju sounds of King Sunny Ade during road trips with his father.
In 2020, he made his debut with the cinematic EP ‘Scum,’ released under Soul City Music Co-op, an artist-owned label based in Windsor, Ontario. This project offered a heartfelt exploration of modern relationships, setting the stage for his first studio album, “Conversations Till Dawn” (CtillD), released the following year.
With “The Life I Want,” Ayola invites listeners on a journey through his musical evolution, promising a blend of nostalgia and innovation that is sure to resonate with fans old and new.
