Douyé Youduba: My Jazz Music Ministers in Novel Ways
SHOWBIZFLAIR
Known for her Jazz music and how it continues to play a crucial role in the industry, Douyé Youduba, popularly called Ms. DouyeCOMMA has further cemented her standING with the release of her album, The Golden Sèkèrè. The album has received great attention for its uniqueness as it blends American jazz standards with the rhythmic integration of Nigerian heritage. She has so far done an excellent job bridging the gap between jazz and African sounds on this album of standards, presented through the lens of Africa’s horn. She tells Tosin Clegg what makes the album different, her creative process and approach, collaborations, and more
How is the Golden Sèkèrè Album differ from your previous work, both musically and conceptually?
First of all, I’m super grateful for the gift in me and the blessings of being able to do what I do; this is truly God’s doing, and I give Him all the thanks and glory for it all. I am also grateful to have had the kind of father that I had. The album is a one-of-a-kind project with a unique soundscape that is innovative and first in originality, singing familiar songs of the Great American Songbook, blending the polyrhythmic richness of Nigerian musical sounds with Western jazz sounds. All my albums are very special to me, but the Golden Sèkèrè is exceptionally special because it is a salute to my heritage and a tribute to the spirit of jazz. The album features recordings by some of the living jazz greats, including Lionel Loueke, Sean Jones, and the legendary Buster Williams. The album also features Nigerian seasoned musicians including, Baba Ken Okulolo (Bass), Dapo Torimiro (Piano), Najite Agindotan (Percussion), Zem Audu (saxophone), Dokun Oke (Guitar), and Olutosin Aribisola (Drums). With the encouragement of my late father, I created “The Golden Sèkèrè” to honor and celebrate my Nigerian heritage in music and culture.
What was the creative process like for the Golden Sekere project? Did you approach it differently compared to your past albums?
Every project I have done comes with its spirit, making each of them unique. What remains consistent is the sound and diligence that I put into creating the project. Whenever I create a project, I am focused, diligent, and sensitive to listening to what the music/project wants and following the project’s spirit. That space of creativity leads me to whatever becomes of the project, just like the Golden Sèkèrè. When I finally agreed to create the Golden Sèkèrè, I went into a space of calmness and freeness to hear the spirit of the music. The first thing that came to me was the title, “The Golden Sèkèrè” I began envisioning the songs to consider, the instrumentations to use that would help carve the unique sounds that I hear in my head for the project, then the musicians and everything else. Again, the spirit of the music led me to the main instrument, Sèkèrè.
Is there a specific track on the Album with extraordinary meaning to you?
All the project tracks are unique to me because they all have their own identity, and no one sounds alike, respectfully. Initially, when thinking of the project, the first song that came to mind was “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” written by the great American Jazz composer Cole Porter. The song became famous by the jazz great Frank Sinatra, who happens to be one of my favorite jazz artists and my dad’s favorite. The song “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” was my father’s favorite jazz tune, especially Frank Sinatra’s version of the song. When the song flashed in my mind, it was spiritual.
Jazz is known for improvisation; how did you incorporate that element into the Album’s recording?
Every aspect of the Golden Sèkèrè resulted from improvisation and being free and open enough to allow the songs to lead the way in creating each one.
Do you have any upcoming collaborations or projects that we can look forward to next year?
Well, I have a few collaborations that I am excited about in the works, but everything is in the production stage as of now. I will keep the world in the loop.
How do you balance traditional jazz elements with more modern influences in your music?
Jazz is evolving even though traditional jazz, which is straight-ahead jazz, continues to remain classic and timeless for as long as it’s done well. As jazz continues to evolve, it allows the genre to become open to a blend with other genres or musical elements that could be beautiful when done right.
What advice would you give to young, aspiring jazz musicians who want to make their mark in the industry?
The best advice I can give is to be humble and true to yourself and your art. Avoid comparing yourself to others, have tough skin, and be kind to yourself. Being an artist can be demanding, but stay focused and stay on it if you believe that it’s your calling.
Did you at any point receive any formal voice training?
Yes, I attended a music school called Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, and received a voice training diploma. I also had many years of private lessons with a jazz virtuoso, Howlett Smith, a jazz pianist, Composer, educator, and vocal coach until his passing in 2019. Mr. Smith was very dear to me because he was a great teacher, and he encouraged me to venture into jazz because he believed that my sound and style were unique for the genre.
Apart from your music, what else do you engage in?
Well, I enjoy collecting art. I also love fashion. I designed all the outfits featured in The Golden Sèkèrè album, including the album cover outfit. I engage in charitable work by giving to organisations dear to me. I am also sometimes involved in volunteer work, working with organisations, communities, and youth in foster care. Giving support and working with them has inspired me in my songwriting and recordings, and I am grateful for the inspiration that they provide me.
