AYOM, a multinational band with members hailing from Brazil, Italy, Greece, and Angola, is at the forefront of a cultural exchange between France and Brazil. Their upcoming performance at the Au Fil Des Voix Festival in Paris marks the beginning of the France-Brazil season, a celebration of the renewed strategic partnership between the two nations. This performance also coincides with the 50th anniversary of independence for Portuguese-speaking African countries, a significant milestone that resonates deeply with AYOM’s musical heritage. The band’s unique sound is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of African diasporic music, drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Brazil, Angola, and Cape Verde.
AYOM’s music transcends geographical boundaries, seamlessly blending diverse musical influences. Their latest single, ‘Samba Para O Vazio,’ a bilingual composition sung in both Portuguese and French, exemplifies this cross-cultural fusion. The French lyrics, penned by a friend of the band, serve as a bridge connecting with French audiences. Jabu Morales, the band’s leader, infuses their music with a deep understanding of Brazilian popular music and its intricate relationship with Angolan music, a connection forged through historical colonial ties. Timoteo Grignani adds a European dimension, drawing from his Greek and Italian heritage. This unique blend of South American, African, and European influences creates a captivating musical experience.
The essence of AYOM’s music lies in capturing the timeless magic that makes music eternal. Rhythmic grooves, a cornerstone of African music, play a central role in their compositions. The three percussionists in the band create infectious rhythms that resonate deeply with listeners. Drawing inspiration from Angolan music’s connection to Cuban music during the period of Portuguese communist rule, and the influence of Angolan semba on Brazilian samba, AYOM reimagines historical musical traditions in contemporary contexts. This constant interplay between tradition and innovation results in a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
AYOM’s identity is deeply intertwined with the spiritual traditions of Candomblè, an Afro-Brazilian religion. The band’s name, AYOM, signifies the “Lord of Music” in Candomblè, a spiritual entity represented as a woman residing within drums. This spiritual connection permeates their music, enriching their creative process and imbuing their songs with a profound sense of meaning. Their 2024 album, ‘Sa.Li.Va.’, encapsulates their creative philosophy. The title, an acronym for “SA-grado” (sacrality), “LI-berdade” (freedom and love), and “VA-lentia” (courage), reflects the core values that drive their artistic expression.
The album’s nine tracks are divided into three sets of three songs, each exploring one of these tenets. The songs addressing sacrality delve into the realm of orixás, the deities of Candomblè, not as traditional gods but as powerful energies. For AYOM, music creation serves as a testament to the existence of something greater, a transcendental force that connects them to a higher plane. This spiritual underpinning elevates their music beyond mere entertainment, transforming it into a profound expression of their beliefs.
AYOM’s extensive touring experience, spanning over 15 countries in the past year and 20 the year before, testifies to their ability to connect with diverse audiences across linguistic and cultural barriers. Their music speaks a universal language, bypassing the limitations of words to evoke powerful emotions and create a shared human experience. This ability to transcend language barriers highlights the universal power of music to unite people, regardless of their background. Just as saliva, the element referenced in their album title, is a shared human characteristic, AYOM’s music fosters connection and understanding across cultures, reminding us of our shared humanity.
