E KAABO SI ORI IKANNI Ayo Ewebiyi (Mama Oriki)
Voice of Oriki, Keeper of Yoruba Memory. Sound of Ancestral Power.
Cultural Artiste | Folk Vocalist | Theatre Practitioner | Master Chanter
AYO EWEBIYI (Mama Oriki)
Faosiyat Motunrayo Ewebiyi, popularly known as Ayo Ewebiyi (“Mama Oriki”), is one of Nigeria’s most distinguished cultural custodians, folk musicians, and traditional chant artistes. With over two decades of stage and studio experience, she has pioneered Gospel Folk Art (GOFAR) a unique musical genre that bridges ancient Yoruba praise poetry (Oríkì) with contemporary uplifting melodies.
A trained theatre practitioner from the University of Lagos, Ayo Ewebiyi serves as a cultural ambassador on global stages. From representing Nigeria with the National Troupe in Mexico and the USA to starring alongside national icons in major theatrical productions, her powerful vocals and authentic stage presence make her a leading voice in West African performing arts.
Ayo Ewebiyi is a distinguished Nigerian cultural ambassador, Ewi exponent, poet, singer, scriptwriter, producer, cultural researcher, and performance director whose life’s work is dedicated to preserving, documenting, and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
For more than three decades, she has remained one of the respected custodians of Yoruba oral tradition, using music, Oríkì (praise poetry), storytelling, theatre, chants, dance, and indigenous philosophy to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences. Her work celebrates African identity while ensuring that traditional knowledge is passed to future generations in authentic and engaging forms.
Recognised for her commanding stage presence and deep understanding of Yoruba customs, Mama Oriki has built a reputation for transforming history, spirituality, and indigenous knowledge into compelling cultural performances that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.
Mama Oriki believes that culture is more than performance it is identity, memory, education, and the living soul of a people. Through every project she undertakes, she seeks to preserve endangered oral traditions, promote indigenous knowledge systems, and strengthen pride in African heritage.
MORE THAN JUST SINGING
Mama Oriki's legacy is rooted in preservation through performance. Every stage appearance, recording, production, and educational initiative contributes to safeguarding a cultural inheritance that has been transmitted through generations.
Her mission extends beyond entertainment. She is committed to ensuring that Yoruba language, oral literature, music, spirituality, and traditional values remain living traditions rather than historical memories.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Mama Ewebiyi, the song you wrote for me was wonderful. The delivery was smooth and could feel all the effort put into the song. Thank you for a job well done and I recommend people to patronize Mama Ewebiyi
– Gbemisola Adetona
Amazing performance cultural dancing and head swelling Oriki that makes you value and appreciate our rich Yoruba culture and exemplary way of life. Mama Oriki’s angelic voice is sweet…
– Temi Ademuwagun
I made a last minute call to mama oriki for my mom’s funeral and her performance was nothing short of amazing. She was very attentive and her performance superceeded my expectations.
– Maryam Oniya
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