Alayo Melody Singer: From street to gospel stage - The Nation Newspaper (2025)

April 12, 2025 by Olaitan Ganiu

For many, the Alayo Melody singer is just a breakout star who has not paid his dues. Even his keen fans and colleagues in the gospel music circle are unfamiliar with his humble beginning. Many don’t know that the singer was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He worked his way up from the street to the church podium, writes OLAITAN GANIU.

Born into a poor family in the bustling street of Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, Akinola Ayoola Michael Atanda, alias Alayo, had a tough childhood experience. As a teenager, he was known across the streets in the area as ‘Lapa:’ the fearless street fighter.

“As a teenager back in the mid-90s, I saw myself as a street fighter. I believed the only thing I was good at was fighting. I was a well-known street fighter at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, and my nickname was ‘Lapa’,” the Alayo Melody singer narrated with raw honesty.

But on April 4, 1998, the death of his father turned things around for him. It changed his lifestyle as a troublemaker and smoker. “His death became a turning point in my life. I quit smoking and gave up my stubborn ways,” he said. The transformation shocked even his family. “My mother couldn’t believe it when I told her I was relocating to our hometown in Abeokuta. She knew I never liked going there, not even during holidays.”

Alayo began to reinvent himself. He decided to take up an apprenticeship at a pharmacy in the Lafiaji area of the town. But his boss treated him like a mother, serving as a spiritual mentor. “She introduced me to prayer and fasting. She helped me build my spiritual foundation,” the Gospel Juju Tungba inventor said.

That foundation made him a church-goer. He worshipped at Celestial Church and joined the choir where his musical talents began to shine. When a local parish needed a choirmaster, his name was the first to come up. “They offered to place me on salary but I refused. I accepted the role for free. Fortunately for me, the church always showers me with gifts. They even sponsored my education since my parents couldn’t afford my school fees. One day, I received a divine message that I should take my music talent seriously.”

To kick-start his gospel musical career, Alayo officially launched his band on November 1, 1999 and the rest is history.

In an industry often dominated by fame and fortune, the artiste remains grounded. In 2000, he released his self-funded debut album titled, ‘Ileri Oluwa’ but the body of work didn’t fly. He said, “I produced 200 copies, but I couldn’t even sell up to ten copies,” he says with a smile. “It was that bad but I give glory to God.”

Read Also: I left cultism because of Jesus – Gospel singer Buchi

Undeterred, he pressed on with a follow-up album, ‘Mysterious Glory ‘ in 2002 which became a fan-favorite album. Other albums include ‘Ayo Aiye Raiye’ (2006), ‘Ire Gbogbo’, ‘Joy in Praise’, and ‘Appreciation Night’ among others.

As he turns 50 this year, he is set to celebrate not just a birthday, but a journey from chaos to calling, from fists to faith.

The celebration is scheduled for April 12 at the Obasanjo Presidential Library in Ogun State – a fitting location for a man whose life story reads like a tale of redemption and grace. “I never imagined this life back when I was on the streets but God had other plans,” Alayo reflected.

Over two decades later, Alayo has risen from a street boy to a respected voice on the Nigerian gospel scene. He has earned numerous awards and accolades both in Nigeria and abroad.

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Alayo Melody Singer

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