Since his arrival in South Africa, he has become one of the most sought after performers both on stage and in the studios; having performed and recorded with some of the best artists and producers in South Africa. Notably; Danny K, Vusi Khumalo, Lawrence Matshiza, Lesego, Don Laka, Pops Mohammed, Louis Mhlanga, Eric Paliani, Kunle Ayo, and Stix Hojeng.
He has also featured on various albums and recordings with the likes of; Judith Sephuma: Change Has Come, Hugh Masakeila: Phola, Margarette Motsaphe: Dwala Lam and Sharon D. Just to mention a few. He has also had the opportunity of sharing the stage with international artists like: Ron Kenoly(USA), Masada Band(USA), Miguel Zenon(USA), Daguero (Belgium), Steve Rhodes(Nigeria), Cobhams(Nigeria), Wole Oni(Nigeria) etc.
Ayo is one of the unique resident artists working with MOYO entertainment in Johannesburg. He has featured both as an artiste and as a sideman at several concerts, events and venues some of which includes; Capetown Jazz Festival- Capetown ‘08
Confederation Cup gala- Sandton ‘08
Afro café (feat Lira and Simphiwe Dana-dedication to Mariam Makeba)- ‘08
Joy of jazz – Joburg ‘07
Jazz by the river – Vereenigin ‘07
Secunda jazz & cultural festival – Secunda ‘07
Mpumalanga jazz & cultural fest – Wit Bank ‘06
Afro Café (Kunle Ayo) – Joburg ‘07
MUSON jazz Festival – Lagos, Nigeria – ’04 & ’05
Commonwealth head of government meeting – Abuja, Nigeria
Lagbaja’s Motherlan – Lagos, Nigeria ‘06
Miss Commonwealth Beauty pageant – Lagos, Nigeria
Ayo could be said to be one of the prominent rising stars in Africa, with an excellent track record dating back to his days in his home country, Nigeria.
He was the band leader of “Spectrum 4 Jazz ensemble”; a leading jazz band in Nigeria. They released two CD’s and also won a local award for the best jazz band in Nigeria, which made them popular among jazz and music lovers throughout the country. He also became the band leader of “Steve Rhodes Orchestra”; a twenty-man orchestra performing various standards and classics in the African and jazz styles. “Steve Rhodes Orchestra” performed alongside Jonathan Butler, Habana sax from Cuba and several other notable local and international artists.
Ayo was also one of the directors of Pure Magic Entertainment Foundation; a non-profit organization which supports and promotes Nigerian youths talented in the areas of music and fine art. He is an inspiration to many young people home and abroad and has himself been influenced by some of the world’s most renowned artists and performers such as; Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Kenny G, Fela Kuti, Charlie Parker, Bob Marley, Sonny Rollins, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, John Coltrane, Bob James, Justol Almario and several others.
Simply speaking, Ayo is described as; the new sound of the African contemporary jazz artists.
