Canadian-based Afro-soul singer and songwriter Ayola, born Abdullah Abubakr, officially returned to the spotlight with the release of his latest single, Bout U. The track is accompanied by an official music video and stands as a significant milestone in the artist’s growing discography.
Notably, this release represents the very first time Ayola has included a featured artist on a track, enlisting the talents of Amakah, a rising singer, songwriter, and performer, to bring a fresh dynamic to his signature sound.
Bout U arrives as the first musical offering from Ayola since the debut of his sophomore album, The Life I Want, which premiered in October 2024. While that project is still fresh in the minds of listeners, Ayola is already pressing forward, using this new single to signal the beginning of his next major creative chapter.
The track serves as the lead offering from his forthcoming studio album, titled Omolari, effectively setting the tone for what fans can expect from this upcoming body of work.
Thematically, Bout U is a deep dive into the complexities of modern romance. The song captures the palpable emotional tension that exists between longing and uncertainty. It tells the story of two individuals who are attempting to define the depth of their connection.
The sonic landscape of Bout U is carefully crafted to mirror intimate themes. Produced by Shalom Ogheneochuko, widely recognized in the industry as Killashay, the record is built upon a foundation of warm, inviting guitar arrangements. These instrumentals are paired with intimate vocals and a conversational delivery style that creates an immersive listening experience. The production quality gives the track the distinct atmosphere of a private, heartfelt exchange between two people, perfectly suiting the lyrical content.
Ayola’s journey to this point has been shaped by a rich musical upbringing. Originally hailing from Osun State and raised in Ilorin, Kwara State, he grew up in an environment deeply saturated with music. His artistic identity was forged early on, often singing at home and absorbing the timeless, rhythmic sounds of Afro-juju legend King Sunny Ade during family road trips. These influences continue to echo through his current work, blending nostalgia with contemporary soul.
Since making his professional debut in 2020, Ayola has consistently explored the intricacies of human connection. His debut cinematic EP, Scum, released under the artist-owned label Soul City Music Co-op in Windsor, Ontario, tackled the difficult complexities of modern relationships.
That project laid the groundwork for his subsequent studio album, Conversations Till Dawn (CtillD), released the following year in 2021.
With Bout U, Ayola invites his audience, both longtime supporters and new listeners deeper into his evolving artistry. By blending his established storytelling prowess with Amakah’s vocal contribution, the single promises a refreshing yet nostalgic mixture of soul and affection, ensuring that the road to the Omolari album begins on a high note.
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