Instructor

Ayo Solanke is one of the most dynamic and energetic jazz and soul saxophonists to ever appear in the entire African music scene. His unique soulful style together with his creativity and innovation as an artist clearly sets him apart from the rest. He is a songwriter and arranger with a background in event management and project coordination with almost two decades of experience under his belt, a man of excellence with an incredible profile and a great personality; undoubtedly one of the best in the continent. He picked up the saxophone for the first time in 1997 during his first year studying Mechanical Engineering at the University Of Lagos, Nigeria and has never stopped since then. He gradually developed into a virtuoso performer; a treasured sensation to music lovers everywhere. He recently appeared on a live DVD with a legendary Kirk Whalum (USA) on Gospel According to Jazz Chapter IV which was released in 2015. He has become one of the most sought after performers both on stage and in the studios. Ayo has recorded with the likes of Hugh Masakela, Zahara, Judith Sephuma, Pastor Benjamin Dube, Afrotraction, Jimmy Dludlu, Ringo Madlingozi, Danny K, Pops Mohammed, Don Laka, Nathaniel Bassey, Cobhams, Kunle Ayo and Agboola Shadare just to mention a few. Others include, Mimi Mtetwa, Theo Kgosinkwe, Sabelo Mthembu, Asa (Nig) and Onyeka Onwenu (Nig) - just to mention a few. He has performed before notable personalities such as Oprah Winfrey, President Bill Clinton Of USA, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.