Afro-soul singer and songwriter Ayola held a vibrant live show for his sophomore album, “The Life I Want,” on Friday, attended by fans and colleagues from the music industry. The event, organized in collaboration with ConnectAfrobeats, took place at the Kairus Hub in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, putting fans at the forefront of the celebration.
The new album dropped in the early hours of Friday, October 11, 2024, coinciding with the live show. Guests arrived early, eager to secure the best seats, and were issued tags and wristbands for entry. The venue was alive with neon lights, booming music, and complimentary cocktails, immersing guests in rhythmic beats predominantly from Afrobeats and 2010s hip-hop.
Ayola captivated the audience with just three tracks, including standout songs such as ‘Pass Me By,’ ‘Life I Want,’ ‘I Hope To Be Free,’ and ‘Actor n Boss.’ Each performance received enthusiastic cheers, with the crowd growing more engaged with every song.
Discussing the creative process behind the album opener, ‘Bird Sings of Money,’ a hip-hop-inspired mid-tempo track, Ayola shared his inspiration for the album’s title: “It might feel like the life I want is happy all the time, and it might also feel like ‘I don’t know.’ My relationship at the time broke, and I was the best man for my friend on his wedding day, feeling like my life is wasting away while he has his put together.”
Reflecting on the nearly three-year gap since his last project, Ayola explained, “I took a little time off because I felt I needed to discover my artistry. The reason I made this is beyond just my ability to do it. I felt like it should have a purpose, and convincing myself it did was the journey that took three years. Despite this, I was creating all along; I just wasn’t putting it out. I also went through life during those times, and I documented the feelings, which turned into what became The Life I Want album.”
In addition to the new tracks, Ayola also performed songs from his previous projects, including ‘Sare Toban’ from his debut album Conversation till Dawn and ‘Scum’ from his first project, Scum EP.
The event was graced by celebrities, including ace comedian and rapper Basketmouth, and award-winning producer Duktor Sett, among others, making it a memorable night for everyone involved.