Ayo Makes A Joyful Noise

I got this email in my inbox the other day, and while I'd generally guffaw and tear it apart, but something in her slightly-accented voice stirred me. Perhaps I've been missing Lauryn Hill too much lately, or I'm feeling the island vibe as the weather turns colder(even though Ayo's not from the islands, as you might expect). Regardless of the reason, I liked it, and would like to share it with you.

Here's some more info:

Interscope will release Ayo’s debut offering, Joyful, on November 20th.

Ayo is a supremely talented artist. She broke through in Europe last summer with the hit single “Down On My Knees”, followed by her Platinum album Joyful, produced by Jay Newland (Norah Jones). She has since rapidly conquered such diverse markets as France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Argentina, Korea and Australia.

Ayo was born of a Nigerian father and a Romanian Gypsy mother. She was discovered in New York and was signed worldwide by Polydor France (Universal/Interscope in the U.S).

Ayo is being compared to everyone from Sade to Stevie Wonder, to Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading and even Otis Redding, but Ayo is Ayo. Her songs are very ‘personal’ and her audience hits all age categories evenly, from very young to mature.

"Down On My Knees"

"Help Is Coming"

Ayo Official Website

Ayo Myspace Page

Buy Yo'self Some Ayo