MUSIC

Oldest

Very Black/Can’t Take Me Back: Black Musical Nostalgia

Writer Maya Pascal examines black female nostalgia through two up-and-coming musicians Read More

‘Love Deluxe’ at 25: Why Sade Will Always Be Bae

Twenty-five years after its debut, Sade's 'Love Deluxe' is still the go-to smooth jazz album for the ages. Read More

CULTURE MUSIC UK

9 Black Women Artists We Loved Hearing on HBO’s ‘I May Destroy You’

Check out some of our favorite top tunes heard on the hit television series. Read More

Rihanna: The Erotic as Knowledge of Self

Writer Holly Olayemi Ajala investigates black female erotica vis-à-vis the popular cultural icon Read More

Black Women Killin’ It: AYO’s Top 6 Albums of 2017

2017 was a great year for women in music. Writer Lola Kolade shares her top six albums of 2017. Read More

JOY MUSIC WELLNESS

Why I Can Still Listen to ‘A Seat at the Table’ A Year Later

First-time writer Emma Henry shares why A Seat at the Table is still worth a listen a year after its debut. Read More

MUSIC SOUTH AFRICA

Why Sho Madjozi Being On Vogue’s 100 List is a Big Win For Minority Groups in South Africa

Rapper Sho Madjozi is music's new poster child for South African pride. Read More

Welcome to AYO, an international meeting place for black women.

Here at AYO, we share honest, relevant stories for smart, creative, engaged, black women. From Brooklyn to Bordeaux, Lagos to Laos, we aim to meet black women wherever they are in the world. Literally.

AYO was launched in 2016 by founder and editor-in-chief Adenike Olanrewaju.

AYO is a labor of love that we hope will be a wellspring of cultural examinations and celebration; a place where various kinds of the black woman can exist. In this space, there is joy.

So here’s to finding your joy. Wherever you are.