Amayo, former frontman of Antibalas for 23 years, will embark on a spring tour and perform seven shows across the country in April, with two shows in New York, at City Winery on May 8 and Colony Woodstock on May 13. Amayo is credited with bringing Afrobeat to a global audience, leading it to become a genre of itself.
The Grammy-Nominated Antibalas album, Fu Chronicles, in the category of Best Global Music Albany, was his vision, from concept to compositions and illustrations. The album became the launchpad for Amayo’s solo career, where Kung Fu meets Afrobeat.
A unique blend of styles creates a magical landscape for Chinese & African rhythms, where Amayo sings traditional Yoruba & Edo lyrics and plays piano, electric keyboard, organ, and the Gbedu Spirit Drum. Joining Amayo is his band, featuring chekere, guitar, bass, flute, violin, drums, percussion and horns.
The band carries the spirit of Kung Fu masters and philosophers of Asia, freedom fighters, the royal warriors of Edo & Ife Kingdoms, and Fela Kuti.
Amayo’s songs guide people through Kung Fu movements and stories of the Nigerian Edo & Ife Kingdoms. As an anointed Orisha “Awo” Amayo sings traditional Nigerian spirituals and stories that have been passed down in a sacred lineage.
Additionally, Amayo has been a senior master (Sifu) of the Jow Ga Kung Fu School of martial arts since 1982 and performs traditional Chinese Lion Dance as a salutation ritual to begin his stage performances to bring good fortune to the audience.
Amayo Spring 2023 Dates
April 13 – The New Parish, Oakland, CA
April 16 – Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz, CA
May 7 – City Winery, Philadelphia, PA
May 8 – City Winery, New York, NY
May 11 – SPACE, Portland, ME
May 12 – ColliderFEST, Northampton, MA
May 13 – Colony Woodstock, Woodstock, NY
Get tickets to all shows here.
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