Born and raised in the bustling heart of Lagos, Nigeria, Ayodeji Akinde grew up in a vibrant household of eight, the youngest of his siblings. From an early age, music wasn’t just a background sound, it was a way of life. Growing up in a Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S) church, Ayodeji was surrounded by praise, rhythms, and the power of song. He sang in the church choir, participated in choreographed performances during annual concerts, and played the drums along with other instruments. These formative years laid the foundation for what would later become a life dedicated to music.
In 2016, Ayodeji took a bold step, relocating to the United States in pursuit of opportunity. It was a turning point that brought him face to face with his true passion. Far from home, he began to understand the deeper connection he had with music. “That’s when I really found myself,” he says. “Now, I’m back in Nigeria, more focused than ever on chasing the dream.”
Ayodeji’s official entry into the music scene began in 2018 when he released his debut single. “The experience was refreshing,” he recalls. “Getting into the booth for the first time and hearing myself, it was magic.” That initial studio session ignited something in him. Though it was new and unfamiliar, it felt right. It wasn’t just about sounding good, it was about growing into the artist he knew he could become.
His sound is rooted in Afrobeats, but he frequently blends it with genres like trap and Afro-fusion. What sets Ayodeji apart is how seamlessly his Yoruba heritage weaves through his music. “Even when I’m experimenting with global sounds, my culture is always present. Yoruba music is rich in storytelling and rhythm, and that reflects in my delivery, my energy, and my lyrics.” For Ayodeji, growing up in Lagos didn’t just shape his sound—it gave him a fierce hustle mentality that drives his artistic vision.
At the core of Ayodeji’s music is a powerful message: hope, perseverance, and the belief that dreams do come true. “I want to uplift people. I want them to know that no matter where you’re coming from, you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.” That message isn’t just theoretical. As an independent artist, he’s faced countless challenges, each one shaping him. He recalls a moment when he had a video shoot scheduled, only to suffer a flat tire on his way to the set. With no team and no support system, he had to figure it out alone. “It was stressful and exhausting,” he says. “But it taught me the importance of structure and building a team. You can’t do everything by yourself.”
Ayodeji’s songwriting draws from imagination, personal experience, and deep reflection. “Sometimes it’s something I’ve lived, other times it’s a vision I want to manifest. I always begin with the melody, it sets the tone for the rest of the song.” Known for his calm and composed demeanor, his personality reflects in his uplifting and energetic sound. “People see my energy in my videos, like the one I shot in Los Angeles for Smoke. It’s a vibe.”
Looking ahead, Ayodeji is working on his next project, and he promises it will be nothing short of fireworks. “This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. The greatness I’ve always felt, it’s happening now.” In the next five years, he envisions himself among Africa’s greatest musical exports. “I’m speaking it into existence. I want to be up there with the legends, taking African music global, proudly.”
