Nigerian born singer Nayo (pronounced “Nigh-O”), has come on to the scene here in the UK in refreshing style. Nayo is slowly but surely bubbling up from the underground and something tells me that it won’t be long before she’s a household name. Her silky smooth and soulful vocals, reminiscent of Sade, have certainly caught the attention of not only the industry but her growing fanbase as well.
Having spent time in the US, Nayo graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Business Administration. She’s performed at shows in Los Angeles and independently released her single, “Party Fever” which made it onto the Billboard Club Play Charts and dance charts in Europe by late 2005.
Now based in the UK, her latest single, “Desert Storm”, was co-written by KK (Dido, Kylie Minogue) and features jazz, trip hop and bossanova influences. I can understand why some of the top DJs like Eric Smax, Thomas Gold and Grammy award winning Paul Harris along with Julian Peake would want to sink their teeth into “Desert Storm”, or anything that Nayo is involved in, for that matter. The single has been receiving airplay on Radio 1 and is currently making it’s way up the UK Club Charts.
Nayo interview with BandWeblogs.com
By: Jenny May
Jenny May: You’ve been writing music since a young age. What is your songwriting process like?
Nayo: It varies, but I mostly write with the piano and I tend to fine-tune my lyrics at a later stage.
When you moved to the US, how did you establish your music career? Did you form a band?
I was mostly trying to find my voice in the US, particularly when I was signed to Sony Music. I have always been a solo act but I did have a band support me for most of my shows.
How did your independent release of “Party Fever” come about?
It wasn’t planned at all. Luck sort of found me, I guess.
Where are you currently living, and do you have a favorite place to live?
I currently live in the UK, London to be specific. I don’t think I have a favorite place yet. I live opposite the EMI building so that I continue to be motivated.
Do you go to Nigeria often?
Yes, that’s one of the great things about living in London I can go home as often as I want or need to.
So far, where has been your favorite live music experience/gig to date and why?
It will have to be London as Los Angeles the only other city I have lived in was mostly geared towards indie bands and the film industry.
How do you see yourself in the future and do you have other interests outside of music that you would like to explore?
I will always be involved in music and within the media industry. Lately, I have been nurturing a growing interest in theatre as well and would love to work with some production companies years to come. But, music and touring is my primary focus.
Have you attended many live shows by other bands/artists? If so, what has been a memorable show and why?
The most memorable show has been the African Express which featured Damon Albarn, The Good, The Bad and The Queen, Amadou & Mariam a diverse group of artists both from Africa and the West.
What inspires you?
My mother, women across the world who are able to stand for their values and beliefs when faced against the odds or ills of all kinds.
Are there any particular artists and/or musicians that you would like to work with someday?
I would love to work with Damon Albarn, Bob Dylan, Seal, Youssou N’Dour and Tony Allen to name a few.
Has the internet effected your music career? If so, in what way?
The internet has positively affected my music career by empowering independent artists, like myself and allowing us to reach our fanbase directly across the globe.
Your latest single, “Desert Storm” has been doing very well in the UK charts. As your fanbase continues to grow, have there been many changes in your day to day life?
Yes, Thanks. Its currently Number 11 on the UK Charts. I guess the only change is that I have to work harder and do more, a lot more shows in various parts of the country, which is expected of any artist.
What music have you been listening to lately?
Asa, a Nigerian singer-songwriter based in France.
Nayo’s single, “Desert Storm”, with club remixes, is available as a digital release in the UK and across Europe.
For more information, go to: