Ayo Solanke

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BIOGRAPHY

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Ayo Solanke is one of the most dynamic and energetic jazz and soul saxophonists to ever appear in the entire African music scene. His unique soulful style together with his creativity and innovation as an artist clearly sets him apart from the rest.
He is a songwriter and arranger with a background in event management and project coordination with almost two decades of experience under his belt, a man of excellence with an incredible profile and a great personality; undoubtedly one of the best in the continent.

He picked up the saxophone for the first time in 1997 during his first year studying Mechanical Engineering at the University Of Lagos, Nigeria and has never stopped since then. He gradually developed into a virtuoso performer; a treasured sensation to music lovers everywhere.
He recently appeared on a live DVD with a legendary Kirk Whalum (USA) on Gospel According to Jazz Chapter IV which was released in 2015.

He has become one of the most sought after performers both on stage and in the studios.

Ayo has recorded with the likes of Hugh Masakela, Zahara, Judith Sephuma, Pastor Benjamin Dube, Afrotraction, Jimmy Dludlu, Ringo Madlingozi, Danny K, Pops Mohammed, Don Laka, Nathaniel Bassey, Cobhams, Kunle Ayo and Agboola Shadare just to mention a few. Others include, Mimi Mtetwa, Theo Kgosinkwe, Sabelo Mthembu, Asa (Nig) and Onyeka Onwenu (Nig) - just to mention a few.

He has performed before notable personalities such as Oprah Winfrey, President Bill Clinton Of USA, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

FESTIVALS
• Joy of Jazz Festival – Joburg 2014, 2013, 2012 & 2007
• Capetown Jazz Festival- Capetown ‘08
• Grahamstown Festival 2015
• MACUFE (Mangaung Cultural Festival)
• Ekurhuleni Jazz Comes Alive
• Jazz by the river – Vereenigin ‘07
• Secunda jazz & cultural festival – Secunda ‘07
• Mpumalanga jazz & cultural fest – Witbank ‘06
• MUSON jazz Festival – Lagos, Nigeria – ’04 & ’05
• Swaziland Bush Fire Festival with Pops Mohammed

FUNCTIONS/EVENTS
• President Clinton's Gala (Nigeria) with Tee Mac and Onyeka Onwenu
• SASCO Gala Night 2014
• Nestle Conference Magaliesburg 2014
• Confederation Cup gala- Sandton ‘08
• Joy Of Jazz Golf Day 2012 & &2 014
SHOWS
• Tribute To Luther Vadross with Timothy Moloi at The Lyrics Theatre 2015
• One Night in Africa Concert - Carnival City ‘2011
• Fashion Meets Gospel 2014 & 2015
• AFROTRACTION sing ALONG EVENING at Soweto Theatre
• Commonwealth head of government meeting (CHOGM) Gala– Abuja, Nigeria
• UNITED TOUR with Nqubeko and Ntokozo Mbatha
• Lagbaja’s Motherland – Lagos, Nigeria ‘06
• Most beautiful Girl and Miss Commonwealth Beauty pageant – Lagos, Nigeria
• BMW-3-Series official Launching in South Africa- Protea Hotel Pretoria
• UK TOUR with Don Laka
• Horizon Launch in Dubai UAE
• South Africa Heritage Festival in Figi Island with Mimi Mthethwa
• Victor Kgomotswana Charity Dinner
STUDIO
• Arranging for Zahara’s New Album
• Arranging for South Africa Official Freedom Song “THE IDEAL”
• Arranging for Kabelo Album 2015
DVD
• LIVE DVD with Kirk Whalum (USA)
• LIVE DVD with Benjamin Dube: Renewal In His Presence,
• LIVE DVD with Essence
• LIVE DVD with Thabo and Thando Mpowa
TV AND RADIO
• Gospel Classics TV Show on SABC 2 -SEASON 1, 2, 3 and 4 (2012, 2013, 2014 & ’2015)
• One Gospel -In Concert Christmas Series 2011
• One Gospel -331 AVENUE
• Afro café (a national TV show that featured Lira and Simphiwe Dana-dedication to Miriam Makeba)- ‘08
• Afro café with Ringo Madlingozi 2015
• Afro Café (Kunle Ayo) – Joburg ‘07
• Morning Live Interview and Performance 2014
• Metro FM Milk Stout Show Interview and Performance 2014
• Power FM Power Hour Show Interview and Performance 2014 with Paul of Power 2015
• Kaya Fm Jazz Sunday with Brenda Sisane Show Interview and Performance 2014
Ayo could be said to be one of the prominent rising stars in Africa, with an excellent track record dating back to his days in his home country, Nigeria.
He was one of the Directors of Pure Magic Entertainment Foundation; a non-profit organization which supports and promotes Nigerian youth talented in the areas of music and fine art. He also served as the Band leader for “Steve Rhodes Orchestra” and an award winning Band called “Spectrum 4 Jazz ensemble”
Ayo, as he is affectionately called, is an inspiration to many young people home and abroad and has himself been influenced by some of the world’s most renowned artists and performers such as; Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Eddie Okonta, Osita Osadebe, King Sunny Ade, Kenny G, Fela Kuti, Charlie Parker, Bob Marley, Sonny Rollins, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Bob Mintzer and several others.
However, Ayo is also an entrepreneur and a visionary with a strong passion for helping people to discover and unlock the greatness within them through public speaking; especially youth and children, having being influenced by some of the world’s greatest motivators, speakers and leaders such as Les Brown, Jim Rohn, John Maxwell, Earl Nightingale, Robert Kiyosaki, Richard Branson, Pastor Adeboye, Rev Sam Adeyemi, Dr Myles Munroe, TD Jakes, Pastor Poju Oyemade, and Pastor Paul Adefarasin amongst other.
Ayo has recorded two albums with his band "Spectrum 4 Jazz Ensemble".
However, his Debut Album is “THE JOURNEY STILL” in July 2015 and released his second Album which Live recording "The Journey Still Live" in March 2018.
In a career spanning almost two decades, Ayo has a sound that is exceptional; it is a sound that touches the mind and reaches deeply into the soul, always leaving his listeners and followers yearning for more.
Simply speaking, Ayo is the new sound and pride of the African contemporary artists.