Ayo | La Tontine d’Or, Paris

Banana Republic City Sounds | Artists Conversations 2

Esperanza Spalding

As an add to their City Stories campaing, Banana Republic interviewed [Ayo] in the City Sounds Compilation. They asked [her] favourite places and personal style. Here’s the result…

Question 1. What are your 3 favorite music venues to hear music and why?

Ayo

1.Olympia, Paris, France - I was lucky enough to be able to play at the Olympia (13 times by the end of February 09)! It is a mythical place where the greatest artists of all times have performed and it is located in a mythical city. Paris has my heart and Olympia keeps me humble.

2.Sylvia’s, Kohln, Germany - Very cool venue in a city that is omnipresent in my life. I grew up partly around Kohln. It is also a place filled with music and opened to non-traditional type of artists. Big Reggae music scene as well.

3.Hiro, New York, NY - I had a great show there last summer. Great vibe and setting. You get a warm feeling in there and the audience is very close to you while you perform.

Question 2: What are your three favorite places to eat in a city and why?

Ayo

1.La Tontine d’Or, Paris, France - Good African restaurant where they serve good fish. Simple setting, really nice staff.

2.Any Turkish restaurant, Hamburg, Germany - Hamburg has a big Turkish community and therefore restaurants.

3.Bombay, Talkie, New York - I am a vegetarian and they offer a delicious and wide selection of meat-free dishes that even meat-lovers like!

Question 3: What are your three favorite city spots to go to for inspiration?

Ayo

1.Fort Green, Brooklyn, New York - My inspiration does not come from a specific spot necessarily. I travel a lot and I am always inspired by what I experience on a daily basis. This whole neighborhood brims with creative energy. It is one of the best areas in NY to hang out, listen to music, eat, see art galleries, watch people and be inspired.

2.Hotel Particulier, Paris, France - An incredible hotel filled with art deco but where you feel at home. It is magnificent and peaceful and in the heart of the amazing neighborhood of Montmartre

3.Ocho Rios, Jamaica - ? I love the sea, Iove the food in Jamaica especially since I am a vegetarian. Great organic food. And last but not least because of the music.

Question 4: Where do you have out after the show?

Ayo

1.Any French pancake shop, Paris, France - I love what the French call ‘crepes” (French Pancake). You can buy them to go in stands all over Paris. Delicious with chocolate spread!

2.Hotel or Home – Depending on where my show is, my first thought is to get back to my son!

3.Tour bus - That comes with the territory when you tour a lot. It becomes your home away from home. Good time to hang with the band and crew family style.

Your Style

Question 1: How do you describe your style?

Ayo

My style is eclectic but always comfortable. Like my cultural heritage, I draw from very many clothing styles. I can mix designer (big and small) tops and or shoes with a nice pair of slim jeans or leggings or wear a designer dress with simple flats and almost no jewelry.

Question 2: What’s the one piece of clothing you don’t leave home without when you go on tour and why?

Ayo

Scarves! I have so many! Great to cover a bad hair day or around the neck, or waist, or as a showl…It is simply a great accessory!

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