VERITAS INTERVIEW WITH AYZEE YO: THE UNSUNG HERO BEHIND THE RISE OF AFRO HIP HOP

VERITAS INTERVIEW WITH AYZEE YO: THE UNSUNG HERO BEHIND THE RISE OF AFRO HIP HOP

In a rare and exclusive interview with Veritas News Hub, Nigerian music legend Ayzee Yo shared his fascinating story of how he played a pivotal role in the birth and growth of Afro Hip Hop, a genre that has transformed into diverse Afro musical styles, gaining recognition worldwide.

As we sat down with Ayzee Yo at the Veritas News Hub office, also the contact office of Alexanda McQueen Records in Kwara State, he began to recount his journey, which spans over two decades. With a deep sense of nostalgia, he remembered the early days of Afro Hip Hop, when he would travel across 17 states, carrying "Ghana must go" bags, to promote the genre and distribute Hip Hop World Magazine.

"We sacrificed our lives, blood, and sweat to make sure Afro music in Nigeria gained recognition," Ayzee Yo said, his eyes gleaming with a sense of pride and accomplishment. "We risked our lives, traveling from state to state, to spread the message of Afro Hip Hop."

Ayzee Yo's big break came when he was invited to perform at a crowded show in Ilorin, organized by Globacom. It was there that he met 2 Face Idibia, who would later become a close friend and collaborator. With 2 Face's encouragement, Ayzee Yol took the mic and delivered a performance that would leave a lasting impression on the audience.

"That was my first major opportunity, and I made sure to make the most of it," Ayzee Yo recalled. "People didn't know me then, except for a few industry insiders like Ayo Animasahun, the CEO of Hit TV. But after that performance, I started to gain recognition, and my name began to spread."

However, it was his collaboration with Terry G in 2007 that would catapult Ayzee Yoh to national fame. The duo's first single, released in January 2007, was a massive hit, and Ayzee Yo soon found himself at the forefront of the Afro Hip Hop movement.

But Ayzee Yo's impact on the music industry went beyond just his own success. He was also instrumental in raising the bar for music videos in Nigeria, working with directors like Tosin Igho, who had just graduated from film school in South Africa.

"I remembered my friend Tosin Igho, who had just returned from film school in South Africa," Ayzee Yo said. "I asked him to help me shoot a video that would meet global standards. We traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, and shot my first video, which cost me $30,000 at the time."

The video, which was shot in 2007, was a game-changer for the Nigerian music industry. It set a new standard for music videos, and soon, other artists like 2 Face, Mohits, and PSquare were calling Ayzee Yo to ask for location where i shot my high-quality videos which birth "Pere" which was shot in South Africa, and many more dope videos from PSQUARE to others. 

Ayzee also revealed that over 30 hit songs like "Aye po gan" by illblis, "pass me your love" by Ay.com, "One by one" by side oneIncase you never know by 2shot  and many more  was made in his studio in Ijusaga, Lagos, and I collected no dime from up comings except if they pay my artiste then Terry G for featuring or producing because he was good at both song writing, and production.

The rest, as they say, is history. Ayzee Yo's contributions to the growth and development of Afro Hip Hop have been immense, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and music lovers alike.

As we concluded our interview with Ayzee Yo, it was clear that his story is one that needs to be told and retold. He is a true pioneer and a hero of the Nigerian music industry, and his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

Click below to watch full video on our  YouTube;

https://youtu.be/XxoYg1fVydc?si=0aJnRiWkpKMkBgAK