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in recent years. His virtuosity with the string has earned him several musical accolades and has even been compared with musical icons of the contemporary school like George Benson and Jonathan Butler. A dazzling live performer, Kunle was part of the Harare Jazz Festival held at the Rainbow Towers where he gave a splendid performance. His guitar work had the crowd on its feet, dancing along to the soulful melodies. Entertainment Editor Ruth Butaumocho (RB) had a backstage interview with Kunle Ayo (KA) after his show.
RB: I believe this is your third visit to Zimbabwe for the Jazz Festival. How does it feel to back in Harare?
KA: It feels great to be back and being part of this carefree and fun-loving audience that I am seeing in this auditorium. I must admit I didn’t expect to see so many people. Last time the turnout was huge, but oh boy, I must say this is just phenomenal!
RB: The last time you were here, the media really never had an opportunity to speak with you and I know most fans were left wondering, who really was this dazzling dancer and amazing guitarist?
KA: Kunle is a guitarist, producer, drummer, songwriter, television presenter and a jazzy guy, who loves his music to bits. As a young boy growing up in Epe, a musically rich urban sprawl on the fringes of Lagos, I caught the musical bug, while in my late teens. Despite the influence and inspiration of various legendary performers in my guitar style, my music has remained true to my Yoruba roots.
RB: So for how long have you been strumming the guitar?
KA: I must say close to two decades now, in fact, next year, I will be celebrating my 20th anniversary in music. My first 20 years were in Nigeria and for the past nine years I have been based in South Africa.
RB: From what you are saying it appears you were born to be a musician?
KA: Not even. I could have easily have become an accountant, but after my father gave me a guitar as a birthday present, I was really inspired and encourage to pursue music. I am actually a qualified accountant.
RB: Before you went on stage, you saw different musicians on stage. What is your view on Zimbabwe’s music, say if you were to compare with music from other countries?
KA: You will agree with me that music from every country is unique in its own way, but I just find Zimbabwean music to be quite appealing. Musicians in Zimbabwe have managed to preserve the originality of their own sound, and they have shied away from fusing their music with that from other regions, and that’s very important. Fusing beats from different regions is killing the music sectors in different countries, and I wouldn’t like to mention names. Yes, we are now a global village, but it is quite important for artistes to maintain their own rhythm and their own genre, sometimes.
RB: Kunle, you made your debut appearance for live shows in Zimbabwe when you took part in the Jazz Festival three years ago, which I believe was being co-ordinated by Sam Mataure. Since then you have been a regular on this event. Tell me, are you buddies with Sam?
KA: He is my friend and a colleague and we are both drummers. We value each other’s contribution to music, but of course my participation to the jazz festival has been on merit. He knows I am good that’s why he has been inviting me for the festival. Don’t you think I am good babe?
RB: Of course, you are! I believe you have been affected by piracy as much as everyone else, how best do you think the problem of piracy should be dealt with?
KA: Piracy is a cancer that is eating into the work of most artistes if not all of us. There are efforts that are being made, especially in Nigeria, to reduce the prices of CDs so that they won’t be any need for fans to buy a CD from the street, if they can get an original for the same price.
RB: I am sure you have greatly enjoyed the warmth of the Zimbabwean people. Does that mean we will be seeing you more often this side, either on holiday or to hold shows?
KA: Definitely! I am hoping to hold more shows, in the event that I get a promoter who is willing to bring me here.
RB: What does the name Kunle mean?
KA: In my native Yoruba language, Kunle means “abundance”.
RB: What is your marital status dear?
KA (pauses): I am married, but I am single.
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