Mayowa Ayodeji Ajayi, widely recognized as Ayo Ajayi, is a distinguished
composer, pianist, and music director whose passion lies at the intersection
of classical training and his rich Nigerian heritage. He holds a Master of
Music in Composition from the University of West London and an ABRSM
Diploma in Piano Performance, solidifying his foundation in Western musical
traditions.
Ayo is perhaps best known as a fervent, innovative exponent and a dedicated custodian of Nigerian Art Music. He draws profound inspiration from the pioneering work of Joshua Uzoigwe, Ayo Bankole and Ayo Oluranti, absorbing their innovative approaches to blending Western classical forms with indigenous Nigerian musical traditions while also deploying the rich Yoruba culture and its tonal language as a constant wellspring of inventiveness. This deep appreciation for Yoruba heritage is reflected in his compositions for Art music and musical theatre, where he adeptly incorporates Yoruba melodies, rhythms, and linguistic subtleties, crafting a musical identity that appeals to modern audiences while honouring cultural depth.
This profound appreciation for his cultural roots informs his extensive body of work, which includes over 100 pieces of Art music, for diverse ensembles, encompassing sacred, secular, and theatrical contexts.
Driven by a desire to share this unique musical landscape with the world, Ayo is the convenor of the Nigerian Art Music Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the performance and promotion of Nigerian Art Music to a global audience. His dedication to both artistic excellence and cultural preservation makes him a truly compelling figure in contemporary music.
Ayo is the artistic director of Declassical studio, Nigeria & United Kingdom. Declassical studio is an event/show production company which has produced phenomenal shows and musical theatre performances which include Legends the Musical, OMG the Musical, The future is here, Okija cultural festival, Fela; arrest the music, Gula, Osamede, KEGO25 to mention but a few.
