*While 88 Nigerian athletes have been slated to represent their homeland in 12 categories of sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics, America has been graced with the presence of the Lion Queen of Nigeria – the great Classical Soprano, Abiodun “Abi” Koya.
Professionally trained as a classical singer, Koya is also a poet, actor, screenwriter, and humanitarian. She has performed for some of the world’s most influential leaders of today including Nigerian Kings, World Ambassadors, and U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
Abiodun Koya’s heartfelt renditions, vocal prowess, and stage presence have captivated audiences around the world, delivering a repertoire that ranges from traditional Nigerian melodies to classical compositions.
Her ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level makes for a divine experience, creating a memorable experience for all. Koya’s training and performance style are rooted in Western classical music.
This influence is evident in her vocal technique, use of operatic elements, and the formal structure of her performances.
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In an interview with The Sun News, when asked about influences and inspiration Koya said: “[My] influencers were mostly classical composers. Andrea Bocelli, David Foster, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Luciano Pavarotti, Sarah Brightman, Leontyne Price, and Kathleen Battle are my influences. I was also influenced by pop artistes like Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. I work with angels for inspiration. Sometimes they give me just a melody and I have to write the lyrics but most times they give me the songs readymade, both music and lyrics already prepared. I think that is awesome.”
See more press interviews and reviews on her wonderful website: www.abiodunkoya.com
While she often performs in English, she also incorporates African languages; a rare blending of Western and African musical traditions in the classical music genre. Her performances frequently feature a choral ensemble, and orchestral accompaniment thus enhancing the classical feel with a rich and layered sound.
The youngest of five children, Koya grew up in southwest Nigeria where she started her music career at age six playing violin and singing at church and birthday celebrations. She’s since gone on to perform in such iconic settings as The White House, Madison Square Garden, and the Democratic National Convention. Described as one of the world’s most beautiful voices, Koya ranks in a class of the very few female African singers trained in classical opera while she’s also well-versed in the jazz, old-school, Broadway, and gospel genres. Through her non-profit, the Clef Foundation, Koya takes time to mentor at-risk children in Nigeria and the United States, utilizing her Music Literacy Program (MLP) initiative. Part of her work in Nigeria also includes visiting female inmates in prison, encouraging them through music, gifts, motivational speeches, and raising funds to help female inmates start small businesses once released.
With the release of her new book of poetry titled “The Moods of a Goddess” (Amazon), she can now add “author” to her long list of accomplishments.
For Koya’s “Enchanted Evening” summer concert series of curated classical music performances taking place between now and October, please check her website or her Instagram page @YorubaSiren.
Also, watch for the dates of her signature concert titled “Christmas Opera” scheduled for the first two weeks in December.
To sum it all up, multi-talented Koya says, “My efforts as an artist have been to creatively and purposefully display a positive message and influence diverse cultures across America and around the world.”
Larry Buford is a contributing writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” and “Book To The Future” (Amazon). Email: [email protected]
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