Finding Purpose through Afrobeat
In the latest issue of Kenga Magazine, YAW DYRO, a fast-rising 21-year-old Ghanaian musician wrote candidly about his background and his come-up, sharing stories about the people and experiences that have influenced his growth as an artist.
Photo Credit: Babs Photography
I’m Yaw Dyro, also known as the Afrobeat Commando. My real name is Abraham Nii Ayikwei Okai. My Dad is Ghanaian and my mom is Nigerian. "Dyro" was formed from my Nigerian name “Diran” which is pronounced as di-ron. Diran is a Yoruba name that means "brave". I started making studio records four years ago as “Lil B” until I found my own unique sound. I used to rap all way from junior high school but I started going to the studio in 2018. Then, as I experimented with Afrobeat, late in 2018 and discovered how easy and quick it was for me to make my first song .
It was the first time I felt spiritual while making music. It was the first time I felt a real connection with my sound. At that point, I definitely knew that Afrobeat is what I was born to do.
I took a break from music throughout the year of 2019 to learn more about the genre I was going into and to also improve myself and my skill. During that time, I found out that whenever I made new music it was better than the previous songs I made, so I started saving so I could get myself basic recording equipments, which included a sound card, headphones, and a microphone. Those were all I needed to start recording myself and start making new music almost everyday.
By making music consistently, I was able to discover my artistic strengths and weaknesses. I also learnt how to sing in key and I also came up with the name Yaw Dyro. On the 23rd of March 2020, I released my first Afrobeat single titled “Balance 4 me”. The reception was great and at this point I knew it was the beginning of a new chapter for my career. On the 12th of June 2020, I released my second single titled "Dey 4 me" which was produced by Bla Broda. After "Dey 4 me," I recorded some features and then I made a 4-song tape titled "After 18" which was released on the 13th of September 2021 .
Photo Credit: Babs Photography
This tape speaks about my life from when I turned 18 in 2019 and left home that same year to find my path on my own. The four songs on that tape were "Enemies" , "Fall" , "Longtime" ft Black Sherif, and "Party".
"Enemies," produced by Tclef Beats, basically spoke about the negative vibes and energy I received throughout the journey. "Fall" spoke about my Love life during that period. I had just met a girl after moving to that new hood and I was already falling for her after seeing her for the first time but I never had the chance to express my feelings because I was too shy so I decided to put it in a song.
"Longtime" spoke about the struggles and challenges I was facing after I left home. It was also produced by Tclef Beats.
"Party" also spoke about the nightlife my friends and I experienced as young kids on our own. We didn’t have any limitations from parents because we lived on our own. I started attending parties and visiting the club with my friends who also wanted to explore life. That song, produced by Swaty Beats, still means a lot more to me than anyone could ever imagine. Anytime I listen to it, I see my life replay in my head.
Fast-forwarding to more recent times, I released a new freestyle titled "Smile" on the 19th of April 2022. It was produced by Beats Vampire. The inspiration for smile came from some of the conversations I have with my mom anytime she calls and we talk about the kind of vision I have for her with my music. That song was about how I really just want to make my mother smile; she is the most important person to me in this world.
I don’t play with my family because they never looked down on me when I shared my dreams with them. My family has been supportive of my career from the first day I decided to make music. Over the years, my career has just been getting better, and I’m forever grateful to God for this.
I see my sounds changing lives and bringing people peace. My feelings, my experience and my environment are the three things that influence the type of music I make. With my music, my biggest dream is to use it as an instrument to change lives and touch hearts.
Originally published in The Music Issue of Kenga Magazine
