All names have meaning. Sometimes they don’t quite fit — for instance, Trevor is Welsh for “a large house” though this Trevor is a city apartment-dweller.
And sometimes, the name's meaning is just perfect — like Abraham "Duke" Amayo's surname, which means "if you don't go, you never know."
Amayo, a Nigerian-born musician, composer, designer, and martial artist, has lived many creative lives across the world. A leap of faith move to Brooklyn 30 years ago led him to a burgeoning creative scene just bubbling under the surface.
"I was doing graphics and illustrations and cover art, and then I ventured into fashion and dance," says Amayo. "Brooklyn offered me the space to do these kinds of things."
Amayo soon became a major player in the community — putting together fashion shows, parties, and fronting one of the most consequential afrobeat bands: Antibalas.
Amayo, who has since departed Antibalas and relocated to Atlanta, just released his first solo record — Lion Awakes — which is filled with the beats, creativity, and symbolism one would expect from an artist deep into their artistic journey.
"Brooklyn walks around with me no matter where I am," says Amayo. "I'm always embodying Brooklyn."