Joyful Ayo

Don’t miss her! Discovered in Paris after a few memorable performances on stage, Ayo is suddenly the hottest new name on the music scene. Her debut album Joyful has sold more than 450,000 copies in France alone. Born in Germany, with a Nigerian father and a Gypsy mother, the rising young star now divides her time between Brooklyn and Paris. That internationally diverse heritage has served her well, providing an intuitive flair for crossover music influenced by Bob Marley, Pink Floyd and Fela Kuti, among others. Her much-awaited new album Gravity At Last, just released by Polydor, is a brilliant mix of soul, folk, reggae and bluesy tunes, all packed with good vibes.  With her angel face and lovely smile, Ayo—Yoruba for happiness—has fast established herself as one of the shining new voices of soul.

Find out more at her website.

Originally published in the November 2008 issue of France Today.