The first time I heard Ibiyemi, I couldn’t help but wonder who the lady with such a heavy but great voice was! She instantly reminded me of Toni Braxton, an artiste I truly love and admire.  Don’t believe me, perhaps you should listen for yourself. My favorite song of hers is titled “Don’t leave me”.

Listen to “Don’t Leave Me”

We had the pleasure of asking this talented artist some questions and we present to you some information she shared with us!

Born Ibiyemi Ajakaiye in California, this talented and soulful singer and songwriter began singing in a church choir. A short spell with the Original love choir of Yaba Tech paved the way for this lady.  Though she sang in the choir in numerous churches in Lagos as far back as 2000, by 2003, Ibiyemi started performing as a back-up vocalist for other artists on stage and in the studio while writing some of the songs that later became to be her first recording setting her apart as a solo artist.

On the 4th of July 2004,  she made her first major solo performance singing the national anthem at the 228th independence ceremony of the United States, organized by the U.S mission in Nigeria. That became the first of many such great performances. In 2007, she sang at the Presidential inauguration ceremony where she entertained various guests. With musical influences like Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Lauryn Hill, she comes forth with a breath of fresh air in an industry where powerful female vocalists seem to wane.

Besides being a singer and songwriter, this talent is also an event planner.  Given her responsibilities, it’s no surprise when she said there was no such thing as a typical day for her. Her day depends on a lot of things ranging from rehearsals, family commitments to performances; and as imagined, all these could go in so many different ways which most likely that not is what happens.

She describes her target audience as anyone who loves music that is soul stirring, and can identify with experiences in her lyrics. Unlike most artists, she chose to use her first name and we asked why. She replied back with “I want to connect with my audience as I am. How best can I do that but by coming across not just as an artiste or a face on TV or voice on radio but simply as another human being, walking through life and sharing experiences obtained in song. I want to keep it as real as possible”.

We couldn’t help but wonder how she would describe herself and what motivated her, so we proceeded to ask her to describe herself.  She said “I’ll say I am pretty much your girl next door. I love God, life and love, I’m an incurable romantic. I absolutely LOVE music. I am motivated by all of these things that I love, and the people in my life too.”

When asked to describe her music, she says “My music is more Soul than anything else, always heartfelt but like most of the music we make today, it can’t be “put in a box”, I sometimes borrow elements from other genres; Urban music , I believe it’s called? My songs are always about my own experiences, believe it or not when you sit with some folks and hear what they’ve been through or are going through, it could just be you.”  Now if only we had more people singing about their experiences, perhaps a lot of songs would have more meaning and the audiences could relate easily!

Her first album titled “Love always wins” is named after one of the songs on the album. This was chosen as the album name as it sums up the entire album and states one of her firm beliefs: True love always wins. Per Ibiyemi, this album will be unique and the message presented in each song can be related to! More so, it’s a collection of mostly love-themed songs!  I don’t know about you but this is definitely something I see being given as gifts during Valentine’s Day and any special occasion amongst loved ones! Collaboration wise, there are several undisclosed collaborations in the works as well as a remix of “Don’t leave me.” Nonetheless, she hopes to work with the likes of Lauryn Hill, Timbaland and Don Jazzy in the future. As to when you can expect an album, chart-topping I say, she gave us an estimate of the first quarter of 2010 and I can honestly say that I am super excited and cannot wait to get a copy! You should be too!!

Her first single “Can you love me” has been featured on the soundtrack to the movie: “Caught in the Middle” and adopted as the theme song for the soap opera production “168″ and “Hope Bay” airing on local Nigerian Television stations.

With this soulful voice of hers and meaningful lyrics, this soul singer and songwriter is bound to go to higher places! This is definitely one artist to look out for now and in the coming years!

I REP Ibiyemi!

Listen to “Can you love me”

Watch the video to “Don’t leave me”! Love it!!!

For more information on Ibiyemi, please visit the following links:

Visit her site: www.ibiyemi.com

MySpace: www.myspace.com/ibiyemi

Join her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBIYEMI/40397521483?ref=ts

Twitter: www.twitter.com/vzhun

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