Ayola, an Afro-soul singer and songwriter, recently held a live show for his sophomore album, The Life I Want. The event took place at the Kairus Hub in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with fans and notable figures from the music industry in attendance.
Organized in collaboration with ConnectAfrobeats, the show marked the beginning of what promises to be a series of memorable nights celebrating the new album.
The live show coincided with the album’s release, setting the tone for an evening filled with soulful music and energetic performances.
As guests arrived eagerly, they were issued tags and wristbands for entry, and the atmosphere was vibrant and electric. The venue was bathed in neon lights, while Afrobeat and 2010s hip-hop music filled the air, adding to the festive mood.
Complimentary cocktails were served, contributing to the lively atmosphere, with guests either dancing to the rhythms, socializing, or capturing the moments on their phones for social media.
The excitement in the room was palpable as fans waited to experience Ayola’s new music firsthand.
The album, The Life I Want, features tracks that blend various musical influences such as Highlife, Jazz, Soul, Afro-funk, R&B, and Motown, showcasing Ayola’s diverse artistic style.
Some standout tracks from the album include “Pass Me By,” “Life I Want,” “I Hope To Be Free,” and “Actor n Boss,” which were recorded across Canada and Nigeria.
As Ayola performed the songs, the crowd responded enthusiastically, with cheers growing louder after each track, indicating the positive reception of his new work.
During the show, Ayola shared insights into the creative process behind the album, specifically the opening track “Bird Sings of Money,” a hip-hop-inspired mid-tempo song.
He explained that the title of the album reflects a journey of self-discovery and emotional experiences, including the breakup of a relationship and the sense of uncertainty about his own life while witnessing a friend’s wedding.
He said:
“It might feel like the life I want is happy all the time and it might also feel like ‘I don’t know’. My relationship at the time broke and I was the best man for my friend on his wedding day and I am kind of feeling like my life is wasting away when he is having his put together.”
This personal journey and introspection played a significant role in shaping the themes and messages conveyed in the album.
Ayola took almost three years to release The Life I Want following his previous project. He revealed that the extended break was necessary for him to rediscover his artistry and ensure that the new album had a deeper purpose.
Throughout this period, he continued creating music, though he did not release any new material until now.
He also used this time to document his life experiences, which eventually became the foundation of the album’s content.
The three-year journey allowed him to craft a project that authentically represented his growth and aspirations.
In addition to performing tracks from the new album, Ayola delighted the audience by singing some of his earlier songs, including “Sare Toban” from his debut album Conversation till Dawn, and “Scum” from his first EP, Scum.
These performances added a nostalgic element to the show, reminding fans of the evolution of his music and artistry over the years.
The mixture of old and new songs kept the energy high and showcased his versatility as an artist.
The event was graced by several celebrities, including the renowned comedian and rapper Basketmouth, and award-winning producer Duktor Sett, among others.
Their presence underscored the significance of the album launch in the Nigerian music scene.
The star-studded audience, combined with the engaging live performances, made the evening a celebration of Ayola’s musical journey and a nod to his promising future in the industry.
Overall, the live show for The Life I Want was a resounding success, with Ayola captivating the audience through his soulful performances and sharing personal stories behind the music.
The event not only celebrated the release of the album but also marked a significant moment in his career, setting the stage for more performances and projects to come.
Fans left the venue with a deeper connection to the artist and anticipation for what lies ahead in his musical journey.
