Aina more steps up with my Awilo 

Exciting singer-songwriter, Aina Morenike Olukoga, known in the music industry as Aina More, has unveiled a fresh highlife record — new single — titled My Awilo, off her forthcoming project, due to be released later in the year.

The new body of work, which the she co-produced with UK producer, Chris Kale, features live guitar strings and an infectious swing, whilst More’s sultry vocals tie it all together, giving listeners what is bound to be a summer hit with the top liner “You’re my summertime love, I love it when the summer comes around, love it when you come, come around”.

More, had last year staged a come back to the music landscape after a brief hiatus, with the single Take It, which comes on the back of her two massive 2016 singles, Afrikan Lady and Girls Killing It. The hits were championed by the likes of BBC Radio 1, MTV Base, BBC 1Xtra, The FADER and Okayafrica, among other tastemakers.

Explaining the inspiration behind the single, My Awilo, More said: “It is love, life and the joy of finding a new partner that makes you happy. A feel-good song with light vibes to get people in a good mood just like the sun does. Inspired by traditional Congolese music, the title was chosen because I see Awilo Longomba as a legend.”

“You can’t just say ‘Awilo’ – you have to say his full name as it’s so powerful; it comes as one entity. Like a beautiful marriage between two souls – there is not one without the other… you’re the Awilo to my Longomba,” she added.

Speaking about the inspiration behind Take It, the multi-talented artiste says, “The song came about as I used to be really shy about taking what’s mine, standing on it and owning it. I think way too often, we minimise ourselves and don’t grab what we should. I love the dancy vibes because it forces me into an upbeat mood and that’s what the song is all about, be that badass and don’t be shy about it – who are you not to?”

With a very unique and distinct sound that can best be described as Hip-Hop Afrobeat infusion, while taking inspiration from music greats like Kendrick Lamar, Skepta, Fela Kuti and Davido, More is unlike anything else out there right now.

Her unapologetic approach to lyricism and rhymes, plus her cutting edge style, and her concept-driven live performances, continue to set More apart from the rest of the playing field, as a British-Nigerian artiste.

More’s background in playwriting and teaching dance and theatre, helped developed her writing and spoken word skills, which eventually led her into the studio as a featuring artiste and writer. She dropped her first extended play (EP) Back To Life in June 2011, and followed with a mixtape, It’s A W.R.A.P in November 2012. Her second album, For People With Short Attention Spans in April 2015, had singles like Layback and Girls Killing It.