“A vibrant set of colorful, fierce, cross-cultural Afrobeat” – KEXP
“An immersive experience that’s as powerful, triumphant, and magical as any music could be. Amayo has brought mythology together with reality to form the sweetest of fusions” – TMRW Magazine
“A bold and visionary album that weaves together the vibrant energy of Afrobeat, the mystique of Chinese martial arts lore, and the hopeful spirit of Afrofuturism” – Afropop Worldwide
“Lion Awakes is the highly anticipated album from Amayo, and not a second of it disappoints. His words come to life and shimmy along the edges of the colorful arrangements, and “Happy Lion” is a shimmering example of fantastically unique artistry. This song feels like it should be echoing through the halls of a stadium” – Glide Magazine
Amayo, the longtime former frontman of Antibalas, has helped to bring Afrobeat to a global audience for the past two decades. He has now released his anticipated solo album debut, Lion Awakes, his first new music since Antibalas’ GRAMMY-nominated Fu Chronicles (2020). Inspired by his Kung Fu practice as a Lion Dancer – and honoring his indigenous Nigerian Edo customs and heritage – the Lion Awakes features 5 tracks of fierce afrobeat, unfolding over a series of movements that tell a story where myth meets reality. The album has so far been featured as a KCRW Top Tune, an extensive interview with Afropop Worldwide, on NPR Music’s New Music Friday playlist, positive reviews in Glide Magazine, KEXP and PopMatters, as well as a forthcoming feature in Relix Magazine and a WNYC Soundcheck performance/interview.
Listen to Lion Awakes here: https://ffm.to/ml6w3j, and previously released single “Black Magic Sister”
Amayo composed the album, performed the keyboard parts, and also illustrated the album artwork. His multi-lingual vocals, sung in Yoruba, Edo, pidgin English, and Cantonese, underscore his role as a bridge between cultures. The album’s rich textures of horns, keys, and rhythms draw listeners into its vibrant world. Recorded and produced by Thomas Brenneck (Dap-Kings, Menahan Street Band, Amy Winehouse, Beyonce and Jay-Z) at his Diamond West studios, Lion Awakes also features contributions from longtime collaborators and members of The Dap-Kings and Antibalas.
He explains, “This album honors my grandmother, Iyalawo (my Black Magic Shaman and medicine woman). The world is right side down. Only through honest collaborations can we find equilibrium. Lion Awakes offers medicinal words and songs, layered in a new sound with fresh angles to deepen the experience of this timeless music reimagined story/symphony where Myth meets Reality.”
Lion Awakes track list:
- Black Magic Sister
- Lion Awakes
- Happy Lion
- Shadowless
- Ascended Lion
