For my photo essay, I would like to do a profile piece on Nigerian based emcee, AYoinmotion, as he prepares for an upcoming performance in New York City’s fifth annual talent quest Battle of the Boroughs. The contest begins in Manhattan on February 7th live in the Green Space, a broadcast studio located at WYNC radio, and will continue throughout the neighboring boroughs. The five winners chosen by audience voting to represent their borough will face off in an Ultimate Battle on June 27.
Fresh off the release of his sophomore album, A Tale of Cool Cities, Ayo’s music encompasses a unique blend of hip-hop, soul, jazz, and afro-beat. His high-energy performances and accompanying band have captivated audiences from New York to Europe. Ayo hopes that his entry in Battle of the Boroughs will serve as an outlet to showcase his music to a wider audience and provide him with new and exciting opportunities. Ayo speaking in his own words about his artistry, “Ultimately, I hope to make a difference, especially as it regards to social justice, as well as to inspire people. I want people to feel the passion and I hope it’s transferable through my performance and writing.”
My photo essay will chronicle Ayo and his band as they practice in Queens’ Astoria Soundworks rehearsal studio and throughout various parts of the city leading up to his qualifying performance in Manhattan’s Battle of the Boroughs.
