Lisa Yaro: Wild, Fierce, Vicious & Uncontrolled

Now let’s hop right into this lead single / video, “SAVAGE” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

I wanted my 1st EP to be anchored by a record for all the people of Nigeria. My music has always been about bringing Africans together. “Savage” has a foundation of Amapiano, but layered it with the toughness of Hip Hop. Then we sprinkled it with a more traditional Afrobeat melody, and we came up something that’s just savage.

Of course “SAVAGE” comes courtesy of your recently released debut EP, My Way — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?

“Savage” represents the sound that I’m bringing to you. My sound is wild, fierce, vicious, and it is uncontrolled. When people listen to this record, they don’t know where it’s gonna go next. My sound is savage and unpredictable. This is the sound of Africa that I’m bringing to the world.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

Life experiences really have become my greatest inspiration. My lyrics are reflection of everything from relationships to the realities of being an African and an immigrant. I just feel like my perspective has provided me a platform, and I’m going to use it.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it?

Like most kids, my parents always would tell me to grow up and become a lawyer or doctor. So I started down that path in school, but always was attracted to writing. When I moved to L.A., I actually started going into studios writing for Grammy nominated talent and producers, and slowly got the opportunity to grow in the business.

While growing up in Kaduna, who do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

My mother would always play music in the house growing up. She would play records that included everything from Fela Kuti to Michael Jackson. I think, being exposed to such a wide range of musical genres, really helped establish me as a songwriter, and as an artist.

How do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

I really can’t be classified as any particular style of music. On one record, you may hear me flow into an R&B lane, while on another record I might decide to follow my roots in African culture. I think my music is a reflection of my experiences across the African diaspora. I love being able to bring a voice to those Africans, not only on the continent, but also the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Africa.

What do you want people to get from your record?

Each record has a unique message, and have different emotions that I want to invoke out of my listeners. I want them to be able to see and experience life and culture from a different perspective than their own. I want them to feel a little bit of myself and every record, whether that is energy or sexy, passionate, or angry.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I think that if I could collaborate with Sade, that would be a dream come true. She really represents one of the first women who brought an African based sound across the globe. Her sound is unique and timeless.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

I wouldn’t mind Madison Square Garden, if you had the hook up?!

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?

Let me tell you that R&B is not dead! I had the privilege of working with Mýa on a record that was nominated for a Grammy several years ago and she, along with other wonderful artists, have really continued the transformation of the genre.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

I think Afrobeats is here to stay! I think, as long as I continue to represent the life and the culture of the people (I’ll have) the opportunity to remain relevant for a very long time.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I would love to be able to participate in production companies that give voices to African artists. This could be in both the areas of music and film. I’ve been lucky enough to be a producer and an artist on both sides of those industries.

You’re also an actress and film producer — What all exactly do you have coming up in regards to the TV and film world(s)?

I just finished executive producing ‘Freedom’s Path,’ and collaborated with HBCU Go and AMC so that the proceeds of every ticket would benefit black students. I also have a movie called “Mort in Sherman Oaks,” with Lucy Hale and Jay Pharaoh, that will be coming out next year.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

I think it’s really a combination of moments. Never in my wildest dream would I have thought that a video of mine would premiere on BET, or I would have a feature an Hot 97. Neither would I have ever imagined going on radio tours across Lagos or Abuja. This entire experience has just been amazing for a small town girl from Kaduna.

What’s an average day like for you?

I typically have to wake up early and go to the gym and return back to start business items. As an independent artist, people forget that 75% of what you do is managing other people, talking to accountants, booking agents, publicist, and coordinating your directors. It really is a small business. I usually reserve my late nights for creative work such as writing, movie auditions, or going to music studios. My days are long; from five in the morning till noon is pretty much so all about the music.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I make it a point to reach out and respond to as many fans on my social media as possible. During Covid, I had a talent show that would give my fans an opportunity to display their talents. I’ve always interacted with them and I think they appreciate how close I allow them to get in my life and understand my experiences.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My most favorite part of being an artist is performing. I love being in front of the people and being able to share moments with people who love music. My most challenging is trying to juggle all of the various business items as an independent artist. I’ve learned a lot, but it can definitely be overwhelming at times.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

I would say to make sure that they understand the business. Creating a hit record isn’t just about the melody and the lyrics. It’s about making sure that you get the song out in the most effective way possible. This requires you to place a lot of trust in people, so make sure you do the homework on the process and relationships that you have.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

I continue to see myself performing. I see hit records, big shows, and hopefully more opportunities to transform the music industry.

What are your career plans for the rest of 2023?

I am focused on festivals and performances. I am finishing up my tour in Lagos and Abuja, and will start touring in the United States this summer and fall. I also plan on going to the United Kingdom and Europe as well.

Any “parting” words for our readers?

Thank you for supporting my music! There’s nothing more important to an artist than the support she gets from the people. So please continue to support independent artistry, and Afrobeats music!