Meet Artist, Poet and Activist, Ayoinmotion and Learn More About His Latest Single, Omí

Written by Rasheeda Campbell

Meet Ayoinmotion

“I want my words and the message it brings to be at the forefront of everything I do,” says artist, activist, and poet Ayoinmotion. Based in New York and of Nigerian descent, Ayoinmotion is known for the waves he is making in Afropop music, his advocacy in social justice movements, and his colorful creativity in the arts. With the many titles that he is given, Ayoinmotion first sees himself as a wordsmith and artivist (as a combination of activist and artist). He explained that at the core of everything he does is words. Words mean everything to him whether he is reciting a poem, singing, or advocating for justice and talking about movements such as End SARS and Black Lives Matter. Picture a circle, and in the middle is Ayo- the storyteller who believes art can make a difference, with many creative factors circling around him. He has always had the activism spirit in him, even as a child. What makes him happy is when he is able to make a difference. “When I think about the legacy of being Nigerian, being African, being Black-there’s so much we have to carry whether we want to or not, so how could I not do more,” he expressed. He hopes his words can inspire, educate and energize people.

Ayoinmotion has had many accomplishments so far such as performing at Essence Music Festival in 2019, getting covered by the Grammy’s, collaborating with Apple, and more. Performing at Essence Music Festival reminded him that he is on the right path in life. Most importantly during his performance, he was able to expose many people to Afrobeat/Afropop. According to Ayoinmotion, Afrobeat is becoming more mainstream in America, but it has been popular across the world for a long time. “Africa is not on its way, we’ve been here,” he said. Ayoinmotion explained that he wants his art to be more creative, Avant-Garde, intentional, and colorful from what is already out there today. “I want you to step into a world when you hear my music. I want you to watch the video to feel like those visuals match. I want you to see beautiful Black people on screen…,” he said.

About his latest single Omí

He is able to move people and bring change and inspiring art through his words and talent. His latest single, Omí featuring artists Le Rú and Eli Fola, is another song of his that moves listeners with its affirmative and enriching lyrics being sung on top of calming yet vibrant music. Omí means water in Yoruba, and this song flows perfectly like a mountain stream. According to Ayoinmotion, the intention of this song is that he wants us to imagine ourselves going through a wave in the middle of all the chaos that is occurring in the world and in our personal lives. He wants Omí to calm us of our anxieties and worries while listening. He also explains that the process of putting the sound together for Omí with his producer Edson Sean and using certain instruments including the bass guitar, saxophone, and keys was to match the vibe and flow of the song’s introduction. Ayoinmotion spent an ample amount of time rewriting the hook to find the perfect fit. “Music is so intentional for me, so if I’m restless I feel like it’s not there,” he said. Le Rú’s contribution helped create the softness he wanted for Omí. “We’re telling a story, but we’re also creating a feeling,” Ayoinmotion said in reference to the visuals for Omí. A sold-out release party for Omí occurred which welcomed friends, fans, press, supporters, and those whom he has recently met. “Omí is part of a sound that is here and coming. Omí is an evolution of a particular sound, and the plan is to take people on a journey that begins with Omí.” To Ayoinmotion is it always starts with the people. “I want people to go with us on this journey and when you remember the journey it feels a little bit more special,” he said. Having a release event for Omí is significant in that it commemorates the hard work Ayoinmotion and his team have been putting out for many months. “Omí is the latest manifestation of the work we’ve been doing. We need to be celebrated. We need to celebrate this. It’s a revelation and a celebration,” he said. The release party for Omí was not announced on social media or publicly known. Ayoinmotion explained that Omí’s release party was a direct invite. He expresses the importance of direct invite because although Omí is for everyone, being able to remember who was there during the beginning of Omí is significant. He described it as being the maiden voyage with those who started the journey with him and his team and who will continue with them while it grows.

He wants people to know that they can trust the creative journey that he is trying to take them on. He wants to move them in multiple ways. “In these moments when we have so much that continues to happen in life-music can be an escape, but it can also be a way to cope and can also be a way to thrive,” he said. He hopes he and his music can be that for people.

Ayoinmotion has two big collaborations coming soon. He couldn’t say much, but he hinted that there are big things to be on the lookout for. Omí is available for listening on all of the streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music. The Omí video will be on YouTube. You can follow him on Instagram @Ayoinmotion to stay updated with his work and to learn more about Omí.

Link to music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gsqmte0r-8