Witch Prophet is the expression of Toronto-based Eritrean singer-songwriter Ayo Leilani. Weaving together soundscapes with vocal layers and loops; rap, spoken word and dreamy harmonies over hip-hop; jazz and soul-inspired beats, it is impossible to box her sound into one descriptor. After starting to make music with her wife and creative partner sun sun in the band Abstract Random, Leilani moved towards a focused solo project.
“Sun sun has always been my number one supporter and of course she is my producer creating soul/R&B/jazz fusion beats for me to write to,” says Leilani. Currently living on a farm outside of Toronto, and surrounded by forest, Leilani says nature and the silence are helping her to connect deeper into herself, inspiring all kinds of creative art forms. “The only neighbours I see are the wild deer, rabbits and turkeys!”
In 2022, Witch Prophet will be releasing her next album ‘Gateway Experience,’ touring with it, and also releasing a new EP with a folk-influenced sound titled ‘SELESTE’.
You can see Witch Prophet perform at this year’s Blockheater 7.0 by Calgary Folk Fest, and also be sure to catch a special panel with Afros In Tha City to learn more about Witch Prophet.