Amayo – Lion Awakes (2025)
On January 17, 2025, Amayo, the former frontman of Antibalas and a trailblazer in Afrobeat, will release Lion Awakes, his debut solo album. Drawing on his deep connection to Nigerian Edo traditions and his experience as a Kung Fu Lion Dancer, the five-movement magnetic album combines dynamic Afrobeat rhythms with narratives that intertwine African and Chinese cultural elements.
Renowned for continuing the Afrobeat legacy of Fela Kuti, Amayo displays his versatility on Lion Awakes by singing in Yoruba, Edo, pidgin English, and Cantonese, and performing on piano, charming vintage Farfisa organ, and the Gbedu spirit drum. As you would expect, Lion Awakes also features an elegant engaging brass section, intricate guitar, engaging call and response vocals, and a mesmerizing set of percussion, including talking drum.
Amayo’s illustrious career includes global acclaim with American Afrobeat icons Antibalas, culminating in a 2020 GRAMMY nomination for Fu Chronicles.
The album was produced with Tom Brenneck, celebrated for his work with Amy Winehouse, Beyoncé, and Sharon Jones, and features contributions from longtime collaborators in the Daptone Records family and former Antibalas bandmates. The recording took place partly at Brenneck’s Los Angeles studio, adding a polished yet organic feel to the project.
Born in Nigeria, Amayo arrived in the U.S. at 17 on a football scholarship to Howard University, where he studied medical illustration. He later became a key figure in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg music scene.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.