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

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.