Toluwani Ajayi's 'Lifestyle' EP Blends Yoruba Culture with Classical Music
Cultural heritage, values, beliefs, and traditions have been meticulously preserved across centuries, with Africans, particularly the Yoruba people, sustaining their culture through stories and songs. Among contemporary Nigerians championing this legacy through musical compositions is Toluwani Ajayi, a Nigerian-born, United Kingdom-based musician, composer, double bassist, arranger, and performer. An indigene of Osun State, Ajayi is recognized as one of Africa's most sought-after double bassists in the Nigerian classical music scene, with certifications from renowned musicians like British double bassist Chi-Chi Nwanoku and German cellist Walter Michael Vollhardt.
Masterpiece of Africlassical Fusion
His self-produced EP, "Lifestyle (Ìgbésí Ayé Ojoójúmọ́)," released on March 14, 2026, serves as a musical score that merges classical and folk instruments with the Yoruba language, showcasing his artistic skill and mastery. This four-piece composition promotes folktales by blending past and present, with Yoruba cultural values at its core. The first track, "Kí ni o fólè ṣe láyé tí mo wà?" boldly preaches contentment without seeking permission or introduction. It uses a solo double bass to create a mental image, encouraging introspection and compelling listeners to engage deeply with its message. Ajayi poses a rhetorical question about stealing and answers it with a declaration of servitude, interpreting an ancient Yoruba folktale through instruments like piano, violins, viola, cello, double bass, udu clay drum, shakers, wood block, agogo, and conga, highlighting determination and integrity.
While this piece evokes nostalgic Yoruba folktales, the African sound instruments, such as the udu clay drum and conga, enter at the 1:30 mark, which some may find delayed for full immersion. Additionally, the melody intensifies at 1:57, potentially missing an earlier opportunity to emphasize the depth of values like contentment and self-discipline regarding money.
Promoting Health and Tribute to Mothers
The second piece, "Wẹ̀ kí o mọ́," communicates the essence of healthy living with a mellow tone that serves as a hygiene lesson for all ages. It begins with a strong tambourine beat, followed by solo double bass, with violin and brass accompaniments joining at 0:14. By 0:29, the composition becomes resonant with woodwind harmonies, and a modulation led by double bass and cellos acts as a bridge around 0:50. A climax featuring timpani, gong, and cymbals adds beauty, resolving harmonically at 1:22 with piano and woodwind delivering the message: "Wash to be clean, cut your nails, eat right at the right time, do not overfeed."
The third track, "Ìyá ni wúrà," is an evergreen tribute to mothers, rooted in the Yoruba saying, "Mother is gold, the father is mirror." Wrapped in a highlife style, it starts with konga, akuba drum, and piano, embellished by French horn and strings at 0:10, evoking deep emotional resonance. The lyrics praise mothers as priceless gold, highlighting their nine months of pregnancy and three years of carrying children on their backs. At 0:33, violin accompaniments elevate the song, with solo double bass leading throughout, making it a particularly touching piece.
Nostalgic Finale and Cultural Impact
The final piece, "Rain is falling (Òjò ń rọ̀)," transports aged listeners to childhood memories while amusing younger audiences unfamiliar with Yoruba folktales. Solo double bass leads again, with simple piano chords evoking childlike emotion. At 0:38, a reverberant bass drum stirs feelings, and striking piano chords at 1:10, along with creative intervals, showcase Ajayi's astounding talent. The message advises playing indoors during rain to avoid wet clothes and colds.
On Lifestyle (Ìgbésí Ayè Ojoójumó), Toluwani Ajayi uses solo double bass and other instruments to let listeners experience the beauty of Yoruba folktales and literature, drawing clear marks of cultural belonging that uplift across time. While the first two tracks may have minor imperfections, the last two offer clearer sounds and more emotional depth, especially the third piece. Ajayi demonstrates not only mastery but also cultural consciousness, offering hope for Yoruba music tradition. He currently collaborates with the East London School of Classical Music and performs with the HACS Philharmonic Orchestra in the UK.
