Nigerian-born U.S.-based jazz artist Douyé Youduba has been nominated for the “Best International Jazz Collaboration Album” category at the Mzantsi Jazz Awards, organised in South Africa.
Youduba, who has for a very considerable period been plying her artistic trade away from her home country, has made bold strides in the creative fusion of Western jazz music with African fervour.
According to her, “The jazz awards are based and managed by South Africans in Soweto. The Mzantsi Jazz Awards celebrate African jazz musicians who have enriched music that honours the African sounds.”.
Her album “The Golden Sèkèrè” celebrates her Nigerian heritage by blending Nigerian musical elements with Western jazz sounds.
Douyé expressed her gratitude for the nomination and her desire to connect with her Nigerian roots by performing in Nigeria. She also expressed her interest in collaborating with other musicians to showcase her artistry in the best light.
“The album was submitted to the Jazz Award organisation for consideration, and that is how it was nominated, and that was the big catch,” she added.
The creative and gifted jazz act also hinted at her intention to carve a niche for herself in the Nigerian music industry, stating that it would be a great way to connect with her people to give them a taste of her brand and artistry.
“Yes, to perform in Nigeria is what I would love to do. It would be a great way to connect with my people and give them a taste of my brand and artistry. My brand is poised and delicately crafted for people looking to experience the finesse in style, presentation, and intellectualism in music,” she noted.
She also disclosed her wish to work in collaboration with other musicians, stating that it would be a worthwhile milestone in so far as the partnership would showcase her artistry in the best light.
“My brand is not for everyone; however, engaging in collaboration with other musicians will be a worthwhile milestone in so far as the partnership showcases my artistry in the best light. However, I am open to collaboration with great musicians who bring finesse, superior quality, and elegance to all aspects of their musical prowess and ingenuity,” she added.
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