She Defines Soul.Substance.Style (No. 004): Ayo

[ click image for larger version ]

Written By: MIM!—Folk-soul chanteuse Ayo (born Joy Olasunmibo Ogunmakin) emerged as one of Europe's biggest new pop stars of 2006 with her breakthrough album, Joyful. Born to a Nigerian father and a gypsy mother in Cologne, West Germany, as a child Ayo absorbed the musical traditions of her parentage as well as influences including American soul, reggae, and Afrobeat, all staples of her father's extensive record collection, which were reflected on Joyful. Following the success of Joyful, Ayo returned with the album Gravity At Last. On her second album, Ayo opted for a more orchestrated sound, but like her debut album Joyful, love remained the main lyrical-theme on the album and Ayo once again struck gold with critical and popular acclaim. Get to know this woman who defines Soul.Substance.Style at ayomusic.com.

(Photo Credits: Marc Baptiste)