KUNLE AYO

Multi-Award winning Nigerian born Jazz guitarist, Kunle Ayo is looking forward to the release of his new and 6th studio album release titled “Atunse the Revolution”, in which he features the internationally acclaimed musicians like Bra Hugh Masekela, America’s great Saxophonist Kirk Whalum and Zimbabwean guitar giant, Oliver Mtukudzi. The album is set to be released later this year and comprises of smooth African contemporary jazz which is ethnically influenced. Due to the demand for diverse styles of Music, Kunle Ayo stands out as one of the artists who has retained his roots as a Nigerian Jazz Guitarist.

He celebrated his birthday on September 11, 2014 in a special way by spending time with motherless babies of Resthaven Baby Sanctuary in Turffontein, Johannesburg. The centre received groceries, toiletries, food and educational materials. They also received computers from the One Organisation, as part of the gifts to celebrate Kunle’s birthday. Currently Kunle produced the album of South African jazz vocalist and award winner Simphiwe Dana and other musicians from the House of Masekela stable(HOM). Last year in February, the guitarist was honoured as an Ambassador for One Organisation alongside 18 other musicians including D’Banj, Femi Kuti, Omawunmi Magbele, Liz Ogunbo, Vikcy Kimani, Buffalo Soldier, Diamond amongst others for their Do Agric Project which featured the incredible Pan – African “Cocoa na Chocolate song”, recorded and released last year. That was not the end for Kunle, as in March 29, 2014, the musician got London to a standstill during his Kunle Ayo Live in London Concert and DVD recording. The concert took place at the Swanky Under the Bridge venue, which is under the Chelsea Football stadium in Stamford bridge, London. The concert was attended by the who’s who in the UK entertainment industry. The DVD will be released this year. Other concerts of note that Kunle performed at during his busy schedule this year, includes the Ugu Jazz Festival held in Durban, Safaricom International Jazz in Kenya, Eldos Jazz Festival, Lesotho Tourism Festival and the Calabar Jazz festival in his hometown of Nigeria. He’s also playing at the Jazz Clubs in Johannesburg including The Orbit Home of Jazz and Winnies Jazz Club to mention a few as well as corporate functions and private parties.

Kunle recently released his single from his forthcoming Album titled “ILE” (which means home in Kunle’s native Yoruba tongue) in which he featured Zimbabwe’s Guitar Giant, Oliver Mtukudzi. Ile features the unique talents of both guitarists, whose natural in-studio chemistry makes for a smooth blend of the best that African jazz has to offer. The song, performed in Shona and Yoruba, talks about the importance of home and that feeling of comfort and safety of being at home. Ile inspires a longing for the familiarity of home, regardless of how close or far it is. Sequel to this, The long awaited Live DVD recording titled “Kunle Ayo Live in London” will be released before the end of the year. It features Mobo award nominated artist, Femi Temowo, Multi-award winning Alto Saxophonist, Soweto Kinch and a host of others.

The Beginning

Born of Yoruba parents in Lagos Nigeria, his parents clearly knew a star was born, writing his destiny in the stars by naming him Kunle which is loosely translated “abundance” in his native Yoruba tongue. Literally “Kun” means “to fill” and “le” stands for “house”. In a way perhaps he was destined to literally fill houses with beautiful music. Kunle Ayo recalls how as a youngster he always had an affinity to play, starting with drums and thumb piano and later graduating to guitar at the tender age of 20. He turned professional at the age of 28 when he started recording and playing alongside Nigeria’s internationally respected artists such as Chief Ebenezer Obey, Kayode Olajide and the enigmatic Lagbaja (The Masked One) whom he toured Europe, North Africa and South America with. Since his arrival to South Africa in 2002, Kunle Ayo has performed and recorded with some of the country's best artists - notably the late Jabu Khanyile and international artists such as Kirk Whalum, Al Jarreau and Jonathan Butler. He has produced music for talented musicians like MXO, KB and Simphiwe Dana to name a few. The Artist Kunle Ayo, probably Africa’s most celebrated guitarists, has earned several musical accolades, even comparisons with giants of the contemporary school like George Benson, Earl Klugh and locally based Jimmy Dludlu. This dazzling live performer has 5 albums with the 6th Album set to be released later this year. For every show Kunle Ayo performs in, he leaves his fans with positive energy and inspired. As one of the most sought after performers, Kunle Ayo has participated in a number of notable jazz festivals, namely Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Mapungubwe Jazz Festival in Limpopo, Tzaneen Jazz Festival, Ekurhuleni Jazz comes alive, Calabar Jazz Festival in Nigeria, Tikwe Jazz Festival, Harare international festival of Arts in Zimbabwe, Ugu Jazz Festival , Africa Day concert at the PACOFS, Bloemfontein , Go-Jazz Festival at the Jazz Café, London, Safaricom Jazz Festival in Kenya to name a few. He performed at the ceremonial handover to Nigeria of World Economic Forum on Africa, Cape Town, South Africa 2013.

“My philosophy on live entertainment is that I don’t play for the people but I play with the people.

He celebrated his 10 years on stage in South Africa on 4th may, 2012 and had Oliver Mtukudzi of Zimbabwe performing as guest artist. Also had the likes of MXO, Georgie of Kaya. FM, Bryce Anderson, Aniete Ezeimo and a host of others. In October 2012, he released his gospel project named Jazzin up His praise Volume 1 in at The Gathering of Champions which took place at the Excel Centre in London and wasdue for release in South Africa later that year.

K COOL PRODUCTIONS In 2005 Kunle Ayo expanded on his empire and started his own company, K Cool Productions, based in Johannesburg. He has produced music for talented acts like MXO, KB and Simphiwe Dana to name a few. He recently produced former Joyous Celebration’s Sandile Cele project. He also co-produced KwaZulu Natal based gospel musician Dudu. Another success on his production skills is Judith Sephuma’s album I am a Living Testimony. He co-produced Asanda Bam’s debut album Fragile.

K Cool Productions is a production company specializing in music and TV productions, bringing you quality sound in the productions and recording of any musical piece.

The K Cool productions have produced few TV programs namely Sound Sessions with Kunle Ayo, Purple Stripes and African Sounds aired on Africa Magic channel on Dstv.

The vision is to build African music and artistes by incorporating different styles and still maintain a distinct and unique African rhythm. They are in business to inject life into the African music industry specifically to take it to greater heights and make their musicians forces to reckon with and a reference point to other artistes around the world.

Also as CEO of K Cool Productions, he has signed on artists such as Aniette Ezeimo, Mathew Olugbemi and co- produced rising star Maselo amongst other projects In November 2012, Kunle was delighted to get a call from Sibongile Khumalo to join the team of producers that were involved in composition of the songs of the opening and closing ceremony of African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2013 held in Johannesburg.

DISCOGRAPHY

• 2002 - “AYO” (JOY) – UNIVERSAL MUSIC, CDRBL 294

• 2003 - “BEYOND BORDERS” – UNIVERSAL – CDRBL 316

• 2005 - “SINCERELY YOURS” – BULA MUSIC - CDJOJ 710

• 2007 - “A TASTE OF HOME” – BULA MUSIC – CDJOJ 718

• 2011 - “BEST OF BOTH WORLDS” - SHEER SOUND DISTRIBUTION – SLCD 215

• 2013 – “JAZZIN UP HIS PRAISE” VOLUME 1 – QBYE MUSIC DISTRIBUTION

Awards

“My philosophy on live entertainment is that I don’t play for the people but I play with the people.” AWARDS • 2004 - Kora Awards - Beyond the Borders - Best Male West Artist (West Africa) Category • 2005 - Channel O Awards - Slowly But Surely (single), Beyond the Borders (Album) -Best Jazz Video • 2009 - Nigeria Achievement Award - Best Musical Group, Kunle Ayo and his band. Awarded by President Goodluck Jonathan. • 2011 - Metro FM Award - Best of Both Worlds - Best Contemporary Jazz Album • 2015 – AFRIMA Award – Best Jazz Artist in Africa