Barbadian Singer Ayoni Delivers Meditative Tunes About Strength, Identity, and Femininity

Updated on July 1, 2020 at 1:53 PM

Following the debut of her 2019 album, Iridescent, 20-year-old singer Ayoni has dropped a new thought-provoking tune titled "Unmoved (A Black Woman Truth)." The track, which the Barbados-born star released on June 30, details the trials of the Black experience and the pain felt in the loss of Black lives. "Are you sitting comfortable / While we bleed in vain / I've died by other names," Ayoni quavers. Proceeds from the song will be donated to Black and Pink, a prison abolitionist organization that supports LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive prisoners.

"The Black woman's power is feared by many — and rightfully so — we are forces in all our divinity, but we are not immortal warriors," Ayoni said in a statement. "We are human beings deserving of a world that values us. We are told we aren't as beautiful, or 'marketable,' or deserving, or important, or as 'delicate,' yet we continue to invent and innovate. I mourn Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Oluwatoyin Salau, Dominique Fells, and the many more Black cis, trans, queer, disabled, and/or unhoused sisters, the world continues to fail. We are the unseen and unheard too often, but it is for those reasons that I dare to be unmovable in my resistance and resilience."

Ayoni often examines themes of strength and identity in her music. The eight-track Iridescent LP, which beautifully mixes indie vibes with pop and R&B, explores romance and finding peace, as well as the beauty of femininity. Discussing the inspiration behind the album, Ayoni said in a statement, "It relishes in the intensity of the heights because it knows that the lows will come, and it holds you through them. Iridescent is heartbreak, loneliness, pain, anger, joy, power, peace, lust, love, and destiny, but most of all it is true. I am iridescent. This is my coming of age and an extended invitation to the world I created for myself." Ahead, listen to Ayoni's impactful repertoire of tunes.

"Unmoved (A Black Woman Truth)"

Ayoni describes being undervalued and underestimated as a Black woman, singing, "I'll leave the way I came / Unseen, unheard, unmoved / A Black woman truth." She then takes a rebellious stance by refusing to succumb to the world's animosity, saying, "Cry in the bathroom / But they'll never have you / It's always been bigger than this."

"Wife You Up"

Ayoni starts Iridescence with a declaration of independence, singing, "To think I could ever be yours / To think I could ever be owned / To think I am anything other than mine / But I am not your property." So FYI, Ayoni won't be the one to wife you up, if you're just looking for "one good f*ck."

"Santa Monica"

This bop is perfect for those nights of cruising around town with the windows down. Dreamy and ruminative, "Santa Monica" tells the tale of a hurt lover reminiscing about their significant other.

"September"

In "September," Ayoni shares how a failed relationship ruined the entire month for her. But October is looking promising, thanks to a new lover and a renewed sense of self.

"Rap Songs"

It won't take long for this slow jam to enwrap you in its stretched sounds as Ayoni highlights the beauty of the female physique.

"Divine"

Ayoni croons, "You can't tame this Gemini / She's divine," and that should be enough to make you slam the "play" button on this upbeat, Caribbean-inspired tune.

"Malibu"

At the start of "Malibu," the soulful sound of a guitar hooks you right before the beat drops as Ayoni sings of pleasurable intimacy and vulnerability.

"For You"

In "For You," Ayoni expresses the difficulty of moving on from someone you love, especially when that love runs deep.

"Me and My Light Lit Lover"

With gorgeous, quavering vocals, Ayoni wraps Iridescent with "Me and My Light Lit Lover" — a musical manifestation of romantic feelings and the ups and downs that come with them.