Ayo Dot is a rapper and songwriter who was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria and currently lives in Seattle. A seasoned artist, he now performers throughout the Northwest with his group Ayo Dot & The Uppercuts, featuring keys, drums, guitar, bass, and backup vocals. In his Feature piece, Ayo breaks down the importance of silence and mental Reflection leading to positive, organic Response. He also comments on the constant improvement in our Responses as we continually get to know ourselves better as people. Check out the dialogue below to read about his tracks My Dreams, Thinking About You, and Mo Ti So, along with an upcoming EP from the band!
Response is how I react to everything I’ve internalized or reflected upon. It should be organic and natural. The more you know who you are as a person, the better your response.
– Ayo Dot
Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?
AD: Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria – West Africa. Now a resident of the great Northwest. Seattle. I represent the West 2x.
What does Reflection and Response mean to you?
AD: Reflection to me is a time out. Silence. It’s when I get to take a mental stock of things. I break things down. Good or bad. Determine how to take the good and build on it or take the bad and make it better. I’m in my head a lot. That’s my happy place.
Response is how I react to everything I’ve internalized or reflected upon. It should be organic and natural. The more you know who you are as a person, the better your response. I’m getting there.
How do your songs My Dreams, Thinking About You, and Mo Ti So fit in with that definition?
AD: The song My Dreams really just latches on to the idea that you should never really let people dictate what you can or can’t do. Build your own ship and sail it.
With Thinking About You, I wanted to do something that was borderline dark. If you check out the video, you’ll know what i mean.
Mo Ti So is my Ode to smack talking and also recognition of my Nigerian roots. I opted to keep part of the chorus in Yoruba, one of the languages spoken in Nigeria.
What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?
AD: Right now my focus is on the band. Ayo Dot & The Uppercuts. We’re working on our first EP as a collective. Some really good stuff in the works. Once the EP is done, I can’t wait for us to shoot some really bad ass videos with explosions, chicks with nun-chucks and baby dragons. It’s going to be dope.
Who or what inspires you?
AD: I draw inspiration from a lot of things. The motherland is an inspiration to me. I try to represent Nigeria every opportunity i get. You can usually find me at live shows with the Nigerian flag draped over my shoulder. We get a lot of flak, but more good than bad comes out of that coastal country. My family for their resilience. We’ve had some hard times, but who hasn’t. Lost my sister to cancer last year. She was a consummate artist in every way possible and a great human being.
Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?
AD: Learn something new everyday. Listen to music. Dance more and check out the band on www.ayodot.com and your favorite social media.
Shout out to…?
AD: My fam, my nephews and niece. Brrrrap!!! My band mates. Whitney, Jordan, Chris, Jeff and the whole Northwest.
Reflection and Response.
the LIFESTYLE 