KUNLE AYO
FULL PROFILE
Multi–award winning guitarist/jazz musician, Kunle Ayo, has earned several
accolades which include being one of Africa’s most celebrated guitarists and an equal comparison with giants of the contemporary school like George Benson, Earl Klugh and locally based Jimmy Dludlu.
This dazzling live performer has 7 albums; several gospel projects and 2 Live DVD
recordings shot in South Africa and London respectively. For every show Kunle Ayo
performs in, he leaves his fans inspired and brimming with positive energy.
As a most sought-after performer, Kunle Ayo has participated in a number of notable
jazz festivals, namely:
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
National Arts Festival, Grahamstown
Calabar Jazz Festival, Nigeria
Harare International Festival of Arts, Zimbabwe
Go-Jazz Festival at the Jazz Café, London
Safaricom Jazz Festival, Kenya, to mention a few.
DISCOGRAPHY
2002 – “AYO” (JOY) – UNIVERSAL MUSIC – CDRBL 294
2003 – “BEYOND BORDERS” – UNIVERSAL MUSIC – CDRBL 316
2005 – “SINCERELY YOURS” – BULA MUSIC – CDJOJ 710
2007 – “A TASTE OF HOME” – BULA MUSIC – CDJOJ 718
2011 – “BEST OF BOTH WORLDS” – SHEER SOUND DISTRIBUTION – SLCD 215
2013 – “JAZZIN UP HIS PRAISE” VOLUME 1 – QBYE MUSIC DISTRIBUTION
2014 – Kunle Ayo Live in London Concert (Live DVD Recording) – K COOL PRODUCTIONS – DVDKC006
2016 – “ATUNSE” (THE REVOUTION) – KCOOL PRODUCTIONS – KCOOLCD005
2021 – INNER REFLECTION – K COOL PRODUCTIONS – KCOOLCD006
Not limited to his guitar and performing prowess, Kunle Ayo’s artistic flair includes
producing music for talented acts like MXO, Judith Sephuma, KB, Asanda Bam and
Simphiwe Dana, amongst others. Another success to his production skills is his recent
production of the legendary Hugh Masekela’s last album, “No Borders” and his co
production with Berita on her single, “Surprises”.
AWARDS
2004 – Kora Awards – Beyond the Borders – Best Male West Artist (West Africa)
Category
2005 – Channel O Awards – Slowly But Surely (single), Beyond the Borders (Album)
Best Jazz Video
2009 – Nigeria Achievement Award – Best Musical Group, Kunle Ayo and his band.
(Awarded by President Goodluck Jonathan)
2011 – Metro FM Award – Best of Both Worlds – Best Contemporary Jazz Album
2015 – AFRIMA Award – Best Jazz Artist in Africa
2017 – Nigeria Community Excellence Award – Best overall Nigerian Music Artist
2017 – SAAFMA Awards – Best Afro Jazz Album