It is always a great pleasure to explore the depths of the minds of musical sensations. Whether they are chart-topping superstars or emerging talent, in my opinion, artists are geniuses in their own right. We can’t overlook the fact that an artist’s experiences and thoughts become the lyrics to our favorite songs and the playlists to our lives.
Besides learning what’s on the tablet of their thoughts, being enlightened on an artist’s musical inspirations has always held value, as most of the time, the sounds of their idols will reflect in their music.
I had the pleasure to sit back down with London-based, Nigerian songstress Sayò Popoola aka Sayò, and have a detailed discussion with her about those who have inspired her the most.
Interview: Jayyiah Coles X Sayò
Sayò, we meet again! It’s a great pleasure to have you back for this talk about those who have influenced you along your journey!
The pleasure is all mine, thank you for having me! I love discussing all things music so I’m happy to be here shining a light on those who came before me.
Let’s hop right into it, starting with your #1 Inspiration, Beyoncé. Tell us how Beyonce has inspired you.
Beyoncé has always been my favorite artist. I am a huge Beyoncé fan. I love her music so much. Her voice is amazing, and what I’m truly a fan of is her spectacular musical range.
I can hear the excitement in your voice, by just talking about her! We all have experienced many different Beyoncé albums and eras. Which Beyoncé era was your favorite?
That is a tough one, as she had many of them! But I would have to say the Lemonade album/era. She showed a side of her that we didn’t expect to see. She went into a heartbreak stage! She was angry and in love and was smashing up cars. It was just Beyonce in a rare form! I love the song ‘Freedom’ from that album!
I love it! Let’s switch gears a bit. I know you are also a huge fan of AfroBeats! For starters, let’s talk about your admiration for Burna Boy, why has his work always stood out for you?
I love Burna Boy and I have been following his musical journey since 2011. A long time ago! Ever since I first heard his music, I was a fan. My favorite song of his is ‘Like To Party’, which is one of his earliest releases. Back then, I knew he was going to be the next big thing! It’s truly amazing to see how far he has come.
Wow, it’s amazing to know that you’ve been following him for over a decade. I just found out about Burna Boy, when I heard ‘Ye’!
Yeah, I’ve always had my ear to music, and following artists. And don’t get me started with ‘Ye’! That is my anthem, that song is also one of my favorites. I love listening to Burna Boy when I’m working out.
Me as well! Tell me the names of some other AfroBeats artists that you are a fan of?
I love WizKid! I have also been listening to him since 2009. I will never forget when I first heard some of his music early on. He’s another one that I knew would make it. Oh & I can’t forget Tiwa Savage. I am a huge fan as well. It’s amazing to see their growth from their old songs and match it up with who they are today.
Speaking of following the journey of artists who become powerhouses, tell me another artist that you’ve been following since day one and have since witnessed them blow up?!
Ariana Grande! I’ve been following her journey since she was acting on Nickelodeon. On the show she starred in, she would sing and I was always blown away by it. Her music touches your soul. Her vocal range is phenomenal. I even watched a video on how she makes music. It was amazing. It encourages me to keep taking my vocal classes and pushing my musical range.
Let’s discuss an artist who I’ve heard that you are a big fan of. The great Bruno Mars! His style is so unique, tell me about your love for him.
If you’re a true fan of Sayò, and are familiar with Bruno Mars, you will be able to hear traces of him in my music. Bruno inspired me to sing and write my songs the way I do. I love his entire catalog, new and old! The first songs that he released are still big hits in my book! Grenade and Billionaire. I love those records. Bruno is surely one of my biggest musical inspirations.
Who in your life that’s not a musical artist inspires you?
My mom and my sister! They both have always pushed me to do music and to sing a lot when I was growing up. My mom always said “you have a voice for a reason, use it”. I love and appreciate them both. They’re my true inspirations!
Though Sayò continually receives inspiration from her favorite artists’ she still stands in her own creativity and curates records from her own musical genius. Sayò will be dropping two new singles this month! Stay tuned and follow her across all social media accounts:
