Album Review

Lion Awakes

BY AMAYO

 

by Joe Vickrey

Photos By Kory Thibeault

GRAMMY-nominated artist AMAYO combines the rich heritage, legends, and cultures of both his African roots as well as that of his Chinese martial arts training in his highly anticipated debut, Lion Awakes

As a teenager, I serendipitously stumbled into the music of Antibalas. It was my introduction to Afrobeat, and it opened my eyes to a whole new world of music. I clung to their music, and 2020’s Fu Chronicles was in my constant rotation for well over a year. After the album received a GRAMMY nomination, I couldn’t have been more caught off guard by the group’s leader, Duke Amayo, announcing he would be leaving the group, and moving from the group’s home base in New York to Atlanta. I was once again left eagerly awaiting his next move. Now under the moniker of AMAYO, Duke has made a glorious return with his highly anticipated solo debut, Lion Awakes.

Hailing from Nigeria and being a senior master of the Jow Ga Kung Fu School of martial arts, AMAYO’s music tells a story that combines the rich heritage, legends, and cultures of both his African roots as well as that of his Chinese martial arts training.

Lion Awakes marvelously blends African and Chinese rhythms and symbols to the Afrobeat melting pot for a truly unique and beautiful experience. 

While the album features Pidgin English, Edo, Yoruba, and Cantonese lyrics, the music speaks clearly and the story isn’t lost on those of us who aren’t multilingual.

Lion Awakes begins with “Black Magic Sister,” which is dedicated to and honors AMAYO’s late grandmother, Iyalawo, who was a black magic shaman. Ending my four year wait for his return, the opening notes of this song healed my soul. The Farifsa organ, Rhodes piano, and horn section restored me as I felt the mysticism of the collection wash over me. It truly felt like a homecoming. Expanding on an already impressive legacy with Antibalas, AMAYO has woven together a tale that stretches beyond any of his previous works.

The story centers around the Chinese Fu Lion who is entrusted with guarding the Forbidden City and all it contains. After being cast to Earth for mischief, he meets Black Magic Sister who helps him learn to do good and helps restore his powers so he can return to the Heavens. Each song is broken into multiple movements that go along with the Lion’s journey. The fusion of African and Asian characters, mythology, and storytelling is breathtaking. Each song is an epic that naturally seams together generations and histories.

The climax of the story arrives in “Happy Lion” which serves as a turning point for the Lion. The Heavens begin to seem within reach once more as the Lion’s eyes are opened to all he has to be grateful for, and a heavenly choir imbues him with power. I get goosebumps every time I hear the drums drop out beneath the choir. It truly feels spiritual, and I can almost feel my feet lifting off the ground just as his do.

AMAYO not only sings, but plays all of the keys as well as the Gbedu Spirit Drum. The cherry on top is that he’s also joined by an all-star cast of musicians from the Daptone scene including members of his former band, Antibalas. The assembly of percussion, horns, strings, keyboards, and guitars feels masterful as it brings the vision of the Lion’s odyssey to life. 

Duke’s voice is thunderous. He sings with authority and his lyrics are filled with sacred symbolism. 

One example from the title track describes Africa, “Where the sky is yellow, and the sea is green, sand is black and rich.” AMAYO further explained, “These are the colors of activism, the Ghanaian flag, and Rastafarianism.” Beyond the story itself, there are lessons of gratitude, trust, and humility that run deep through Lion Awakes.

This album is an immersive experience that’s as powerful, triumphant, and magical as any music could be. AMAYO has brought mythology together with reality to form the sweetest of fusions.

A true celebration of all that is mystic, Lion Awakes soars from the 7-Stars to the plains of Africa and back. AMAYO has brought fortune and joy to 2025 with all of the Lion’s majesty, grace, and style.

Make sure to follow AMAYO on Instagram. Lion Awakes drops January 17, 2025.