Behind the stage name Ayo is the singer Joy Ogunmakin, who lives in Paris and New York. She grew up in Germany, the child of a Nigerian father and a German gypsy mother. Because her father was a DJ, she became familiar with the music of artists such as Bob Marley, Fela Kuti and Pink Floyd early on. All those different influences come together on her debut album Joyful: a little folk, a little soul,
… sometimes some reggae, then an African guitar. It is not easy to organize, but certainly pleasant to listen to. Ayo has a beautiful soulful voice with a charming accent. Even her soulless playing backing band and the rather flat production cannot detract from that. Although the title suggests otherwise, Ayo's lyrics are anything but playful. The heavily dramatic opening track Down On My Knees sets the tone for the rest of the album. But her comforting voice makes up for it. (MH)more
