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1. Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Ayobami, and I am a woman of many talents. I am a fashion designer, hairstylist, musician, and businesswoman. Today, I’d like to shine a spotlight on my musical journey. My stage name is Alájọ́kẹ́, and my motto has always been, “It’s never too late to start over; you’ve only failed when you quit.”
Although I’ve been singing all my life, beginning in the church choir as a child, I only began pursuing music professionally in 2023. It all started when I was singing Yorùbá songs in a Yorùbá-oriented room at Clubhouse, and someone suggested I take it further. That moment was a turning point, as I realized I had a mission: to raise awareness and encourage Yorùbá descendants to reconnect with our ancestors. I decided to sing exclusively in Yorùbá to fulfil this mission.
2. What makes your music unique?
I offer feel-good music that stands apart in a world dominated by songs about money, sex, and drugs. My music provides tranquillity, calmness, reflection, and sheer joy. As an independent artist, I make music on my own terms, based on the needs of my society, without the pressure of commercial success or fame.
While I am not religious, I venerate our ancestors in my music. I sing about Yorùbá life—our culture, values, and ways of being—as well as the good and bad things we do to each other. My songs are meant to inspire us to improve our lives, uplift our children, and restore dignity to our land. Many have said that my voice touches the soul, making my music both meaningful and transformative.
3. How does your music contribute to preserving Yorùbá culture and tradition?
My music serves as a tool to preserve the Yorùbá language. While many modern artists mix Yorùbá with other languages like English, I believe music is a universal language that transcends linguistic barriers. Listeners don’t need to understand every word to feel the emotion and beauty of a song.
Through my exclusive use of Yorùbá, I hope to inspire others to embrace and take pride in their native language. As the Yorùbá proverb says, Oun a ní làá nání. Tẹ́ni tẹ́ni, takísà ni tàtàn. (What is ours is ours; let us cherish it.) Icons like King Sunny Adé have shown us that it’s possible to gain international acclaim while singing in Yorùbá.
4. Who is your target audience?
My music is for all Yorùbá descendants, particularly the younger generation. Many of them don’t realize how great the Yorùbá people once were. I aim to help them reconnect with their roots and recognize their potential.
5. What have been some highlights of your musical journey?
The most rewarding part of my journey has been the feedback from listeners. People have told me my music gives them goosebumps, touches their souls, and elevates their consciousness. As the Yorùbá saying goes, Ìròyìn ọ̀ tò àfọ́jùbà (Hearing about it is not the same as experiencing it). You’ll need to listen to my music to truly understand.
6. Where can we find your music?
My debut EP is available on Bandcamp for $10, or $3 per song. You can also purchase it on iTunes. These platforms allow you to support me directly. Additionally, you can stream my music on Audiomack, YouTube, and other streaming platforms. All the links are available in my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/officialalajoke.
7. Do you have any upcoming events?
Yes! On December 24th, World Èṣù Day, I will be performing live in New York. Anyone in or near Brooklyn who’s interested can connect with me online for more details.
8. Any advice for aspiring artists?
Never give up on your dreams. You are worth it. Stay true to yourself and your craft, and remember, it’s never too late to start over.
9. What are your thoughts on Yorùbá culture?
Yorùbá culture is the richest and most beautiful culture in the world, and I say this unapologetically. Unfortunately, foreign ideologies have belittled or demonized our heritage, but if we delve deeper, we’ll see how advanced and meaningful our traditions are. For example, the Western world adopted elements of our Ogboni system, Ifá divination inspired the creation of the computer, and our ancestors were pioneers in vaccinations.
We must reclaim our cultural pride and recognize the profound wisdom embedded in our heritage. Yorùbá culture is unparalleled, and I’m proud to be a part of its preservation.
10. Any final words?
I’m grateful for platforms like this that amplify Yorùbá content, making it visible in a world dominated by algorithm-driven content. Thank you, and may Olódùmarè continue to uplift you to greater heights.
