Abiodun Koya
Abiodun (Abby) Koya (Born 22 December 1980) is a Nigerian born classical /opera singer, songwriter, poet, actress, screenwriter and philanthropist based in the United States.
She is one of the very few professionally trained opera singers of African origin.[citation needed] She is called the Presidents' and Kings' singer. Abiodun Koya has performed at the White House, at the Presidential inauguration and at the Democratic National Convention.[1][2] Born in Nigeria's Ogun State, encouraged by her father, who introduced classical music to her at the age of three, Koya became interested in music when she turned six, playing the violin and singing classical music at church. She left Nigeria in 2001 for the United States where she studied Business Management at the University of the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C. She went on to study music for her master's degree at Catholic University, Washington. D.C.
While singing for some of the world’s most influential leaders of today, she has been described as one of the world’s most beautiful voices.[3][4] She has sung around the world for numerous world leaders including presidents and royalty, ambassadors, and Members of Congress. In 2009 she released a compilation of her love poems called "The Mood of a Princess".
Koya heads a charity organization and engages in mentorship activities.[citation needed] Her charity organization provides scholarships to young girls in many African countries.[citation needed]
References
- ^ "Africa's Opera Divas, Chinwe Enu & Abiodun Koya". Ladybrille. 2008. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
- ^ Ogunjimi, Opeoluwani (10 May 2013). "Abiodun Koya set for the big stage". Vanguard. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
- ^ Martins, Babatunde (1 May 2016). ""Over-commercialization of music is killing us": Nigerian Opera Singer, Abiodun Koya". Boss Newspaper. Archived from the original on 2016-10-05. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
- ^ Watts, Gabbie (6 November 2015). "Nigerian Opera Singer Explores Classical Crossover In Atlanta". 90.1 WABE. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
External links
- 1980 births
- Nigerian female singers
- Nigerian sopranos
- Nigerian gospel singers
- Living people
- 21st-century Nigerian singers
- 21st-century women singers
- Yoruba musicians
- Nigerian emigrants to the United States
- Catholic University of America alumni
- University of the District of Columbia alumni
- People from Ogun State
- Yoruba philanthropists