Meet Douyé Youduba | Nigerian-born Jazz recording artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Douyé Youduba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Douyé, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My name is Douyé and I am a Nigerian-born jazz artist. As a Nigerian, some of the values that I was raised to have are to know myself, maintain a positive attitude irrespective of what I am faced with, hold values and beliefs that add to my life positively, focus on my purpose in life, stand tall and strong, be disciplined, be of service and handle life with a heart of gratitude. These elements continue to shape my life and my perspective of the world encouragingly daily and I am super grateful about that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a jazz songstress and I am grateful for the gifts in me. Jazz is a genre that calls for one to be unique yet, authentic to the art form. These elements have guided my sense of style as an artist. Just like any trade in life, being an artist comes with challenges. Still, I have always viewed challenges as an opportunity to grow in wisdom and understanding and utilize all of that to expand and excel in my character as an individual and, in my artistry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting me in Los Angeles, we would have a fun-filled week. We would enjoy brunch at the Ritz in Marina Del Rey to start our day for sailing in the afternoon and a dinner cruise in the evening filled with jazz. On Tuesday after breakfast at Le Pain, we would stroll down the Waterside Mall and end up at the mysterious Venice beach. From palm readings to tanning all day, we would soak in the city. We would end the day with delicious bites and smiles through the Venice sign. The next day bright and early, we are headed on the PCH to the village in the Palisades to get highlights and blowouts to get the feel of California. We would hike in the morning and stop by Edo bites after catching up with Edo after this week’s catch of the week. The next few days would be catching up in Malibu and in Beverly Hills to check out Rodeo. The second to last day would be celebrated at the Grove. We would watch a film at AMC, chat up with our old pal Coco, wave at Crauso, enjoy juicy bites at the farmer’s market, and splurge at the Beverly Center. Because we are A-listers, we would wine and dine at Giorgio Baldi and chat with our buddy Alessandro about tonight’s specials. We are both bittersweet the next day because it is our last day together until her return so we talk about childhood memories and the laughs that we have shared over the years. We walk down to Starbucks to greet James and pick up our lattes. To end the hazy Sunday evening, we head down to good ole Tony P’s. We would enjoy fish and chips, take a million photographs, and indulge in our evening as best buddies.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
From time on, my father was the one who encouraged me to follow my dreams of becoming a jazz artist, he was top! My Godmother, Mrs. Numa-Uzor also encouraged me to believe in myself and my dreams. Terry Shaddick has always encouraged me to keep pushing for higher heights. My family continues to be encouraging in matters of my life goals. Overall, I am the one who never stops believing in myself, in my dreams, and putting in the work towards accomplishing my goals.

Website: douyemusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douye.official/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/douyemusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Douyemusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC40mVnX7oE2JRbGTjQqZwnQ

Other: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douyé

Image Credits
Kate sZatmari