US-based Nigerian musician Ayaara, born Victor Ayara, is set to make waves in Atlanta with the release of his album and a non-profit organization.
The double-header event, “A Night of Freedom and Hope,” is scheduled for July 13 at Influence Restaurant and Lounge in Norcross, Georgia, United States. It aims to showcase Ayaara’s musical talent and lay the groundwork for her nonprofit organization.
The album is titled 'Freedom of Expression', while the non-profit organization, 'Imabasi Youth Foundation', focuses on helping orphans, at-risk youth and underprivileged people in Atlanta and Nigeria.
In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Ayaara described music as her salvation, noting that it gave her opportunities and made her life easier.
Ayaara
He titled the album 'Freedom of Expression' because he loves to express his art through different musical genres and does not want to limit it to just one style.
He said: “I have a lot of songs recorded, but I want to explain why I chose the title of this particular album, ‘Freedom of Expression’. This album was ten years in the making, with over thirty songs recorded. It has been a challenge to decide which songs to include. The title ‘Freedom of Expression’ is not because I have been deprived of the freedom to express myself, but because I feel free to explore different sounds and genres, without being confined to any specific style.”
He said the album's uniqueness was its infusion of an African vibe.
Article page with financial support promotion album
Ayaara, who began her music career in 1990, stressed that she was releasing the album not for monetary gain but to create a significant impact.
“I believe that all the money in the world will run out sooner or later; what really matters is the difference you make. That is my goal and I have been pursuing it even before music came into the picture. I simply tied music with this mission because if God blesses you with a gift, you should use it to bless others.
“My goal is to help people in Nigeria start sewing and selling clothes in the United States to make a living. I also help people learn graphic design and cooking skills. It’s not about chasing money or fame; it’s about doing good and sharing the gifts God has given me,” she added.
He also stated that ninety-nine percent of the album, which has twelve tracks, was recorded virtually.
Regarding the album’s creative process, he said, “It encompasses everything and anything, at any time.” He noted that the album’s release took a considerable amount of time due to the preparations required.
“It has a unique sound. ‘Good Morning Africa’ is an old song of mine that I decided to remake. It’s a tribute to the motherland. When I performed it at a venue, someone noticed influences of Afrobeat and other elements in that song. The song includes Zulu, Swahili, Igbo, Taupau and Ibibio languages. These are the kinds of projects I love to share with people. You might like one song and not another.”
Ayaara also revealed her strategy of using social media and collaborating with celebrities to promote the album.
“Many of them have expressed interest in these songs. I think we need to leverage all digital platforms to promote them. It is essential to align ourselves with people whose values match ours, not just from a PR perspective, but in every aspect,” Ayaara said.
The singer expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Nigerian artists on future projects and hinted at a possible album release in Nigeria.
Imabasi Youth Foundation (IYF)
Speaking about her non-profit organization, Imabasi Youth Foundation (IYF), Ayaara explained that it arose from her belief that helping others does not require wealth.
He said the IYF aims to inspire hope in the hopeless and motivate those with compassionate hearts to take action.
“I have always been involved in this effort, but I want to make it more inclusive so that other people with similar values can contribute, whether it is a penny or two. Over the past eleven years, I have learned that mere handouts do not really help people; they create an endless cycle of dependency.
“My belief is to create a lasting impact. Nothing gives me greater joy than seeing people go from despair to stability, who manage to have a home and pay their children’s school fees because someone gave them power. That is the essence of IYF.”
He said he is establishing an orphanage in his hometown to ensure that children without parents have the opportunity to achieve greatness in the future.
Ayaara.
“I have learned that Nigeria can excel in any situation if given the right environment and skills. This non-profit was created to support children of all races who align with our program. Some children lack male role models because their fathers are in prison. Mentoring can guide them from difficult circumstances to success.
“The wealth and poverty of the majority affects the wealth of the minority. If we do not support each other, particularly in helping young people find positive paths, this can have negative consequences for everyone,” he explained.
Ayaara, a former broadcaster, began his career at Galaxy Television in 2002 and moved to Silverbird in 2006. He subsequently moved with his family to the United States.