My father introduced me to jazz from childhood – Douyé

A Nigerian-born jazz artist, Douyé Youduba (popularly called Ms. Douyé), has recounted her growing up experiences in the city of Lagos, saying her father introduced her to the musical genre from childhood.

Discussing the relationship she had with her late father, who was a thorough lover of jazz and music pundits, Duoye said it led her to dedicate a track on her trending, The Golden Sekere album, titled: Song For My Father to Mr Youduba.

The Golden Sekere has been thrilling Nigeria’s jazz enthusiasts as it’s currently enjoys air play in more than 10 radio stations in the country.

According to Douyé, “jazz is about having your own identity and being true to the genre. The improvisation comes from being able to express yourself freely. You can only do that when you are in tune with yourself and your musical abilities.”

She said, “I was introduced to jazz by my father from childhood. Ever since then, my ears have been tilted towards that direction. Over the years, I started to develop my sound. I went to the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood to study voice and that prepared me in my artistic journey.

“Being a Nigerian who is exposed to the Western world, I am privileged to blend the two together.

“I am grateful to have been able to work with jazz legends such as Ron Carter; Kenny Baron; Russell Malone; Buster Williams; Lionel Loueke; Sean Jones; and a plethora of others. It was an honour working with them and those experiences broadened my understanding and appreciation of the genre. That encouraged me to evolve as a jazz artist and continue to expand my artistry.”