Yinka Ayefeleis a Nigerian music producer and gospel singer
Early life
Ayefele was born February 1, 1968 in Ekiti State south-western Nigeria and hails from Ipoti, a city in Ekiti State southwestern Nigeria. to the family of
Chief Joshua Taiwo Ayefele (Father). He had attended Our Saviours Anglican Primary School in Ipoti-Ekiti for his primary and secondary education before he later proceeded to Ondo State College of Arts and Science in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Career
Ayefele worked briefly as journalist and broadcaster at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan, where he also produced jingles and musical works on radio.
He began his music career in 1997 after he was involved in an automobile accident which damaged his spinal cord and confined him to a wheelchair. While in the hospital after spending about 9 months, his friend, Kola Olootu visited and advised him to put some songs together. This suggestion resulted in the release of his debut album titled, Bitter Experience in 1998 which brought him into limelight.
The release of Bitter experience was followed by the release of Sweet Experience. Other albums released by the gospel musician are Something Else, Divine Intervention and Life after death, released in honor of Gbenga Adeboye, a Nigerian radio presenter, musician and comedian. The title Bitter Experience reflected his ordeal and Sweet Experience was the sweetness after a “Bitter Experience”.
Awards and honours
He had received over 200 awards. Among other awards are;
- Member of the Order of the Niger awarded by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2011)
- Ekiti cultural ambassador award
Demolition of radio station
Ayefele’s Music House, which has in it a radio station Fresh FM and a studio, was on August 19, 2018 demolished by the Oyo State Government, stating that the property’s location contravene the stipulations by the town planning authority. This sparked outrage from fans and sympathizers in Ibadan, and host of other criticizing the government’s action. According to the musician, the property worth N800 million.The radio station now has a branch in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Ayefele’s Albums
- Bitter Experience (1998)
- Sweet Experience (1999)
- Something Else (2000)
- Divine Intervention (2001)
- Fun Fair (2002)
- Life after death (2003)
- Aspiration (2004)
- Fulfilment (2005)
- New Dawn (2006)
- Next Level (2007)
- Gratitude (2008)
- Absolute Praise (2008)
- Transformation (2009)
- Everlasting Grace (2010)
- Prayer Point (2011)
- Goodness Of God (2012)
- Comforter (2013)
- Yin Oluwa (2014) (Single)
- Overcomer (2014)
- Upliftment (2015)
- Fresh Glory (2016)
- Living Testimony (2017)
- Favour (2018)
