Ayo Odia’s Smoothness

Since his return home last year, Ayo Odia has been playing at major gigs across the country. He was among the NAIJAZZ All stars band that performed at the Bayelsa International Jazz Festival 2013 and the NAIJAZZ festival 2013 that had a session to honour the great African hero, the late Nelson Mandela.

Earlier last year, he showcased at Jazzhole and by popular demand was recently again featured at an explosive Inspiro Production and Jazzhole collaborative showcase that kicked off the New Year at the same venue.

Music could mean different things to anyone but for the saxophonist Ayo Odia, it’s simply magic. It transcends the popularity of the song or the artiste, or the glamour; it’s simply that indescribable feeling that lifts the spirit to an elevated rush of nostalgia and adrenalin. Ayo Odia is on a voyage to show the world the beauty and magic of life through his saxophone.

The Edo State born musician fell in love with music as a teenager while studying in England. He had grown up listening to different genres of music but the likes of Fela, John Coltrane and Jimi Hendrix influenced his music career. His music is a juxtaposition of electronic music, afrobeat and highlife, giving a refreshing appeal to its listeners.

Having grown under the tutelage of a father who is a supporter of the arts, it’s no wonder music is like a second skin to him, though he admits he is into philosophy as well. He had paraded the stage with different monikers trying to shy away from the spotlight while pushing his music to the forefront. However this alternating has one fault. According to Odia, it lacked continuity and created confusion in the consciousness of his fans.

Odia’s return to the Nigerian music scene has a very interesting twist. He had been content playing in London at different scenes with famous musicians but suddenly, he noticed all his pals were boarding the next flight to Nigeria, urging him to return as well because Nigeria is now the next big thing. Curiously, he found his way back to his home country, but was he disappointed?

“I’m sorry to say, I’m yet to see what is really happening.  I know there is a lot of money to be made in this country but I think more importantly, that it needs a cultural and artistic kick. There is a lot going on but it’s not been rewarded. There are lots of creative people, a lot of artistes that are not being rewarded.”

—Funsho Arogundade