Toronto based singer-songwriter Nneka Atto , known in the music world as Uyoka , recently released her album Jupitersong . As the title suggests , the album is as great and mysterious as the planet that it is named after . According to Uyoka , the planet Jupiter signifies knowledge , higher learning , exploration and expansion . In astrology , each of the zodiac signs is ruled by a planet and , being a Sagittarius , she feels a connection to Jupiter in this aspect as well .
“ In a sense , it was like I was learning and exploring more about myself through these songs ,” reveals Uyoka , “ Sagittarians are known to be the philosophers and curious explorers of the zodiac , and Jupiter is all about big visions
African music , is melodic and chant-like with very bold rhythms , which have influenced the melodies that I write ,” she shares , “ My artist name , Uyoka , also has Nigerian roots : it ’ s a portmanteau of my first and middle names , Uyoyoghene and Nneka .”
Uyoka ’ s talent for writing was also nurtured from an early age , having written her very first song at the age of thirteen . In that moment , the joy that she experienced from creating a finished work of art led her to realize that writing music was the path she was destined to follow . Although she has dabbled in painting , drawing , and even self-published a children ’ s book , Ollie ’ s Carrot , writing music was always her heart ’ s calling : and expansion . Both of these aspects can be found within my music .”
Although Uyoka has called Toronto home for most of her life , she has familial ties to Nigeria . Growing up with her family in the greater Toronto area , her artistic talents were nurtured by a constant stream of music that played in her home . From country to rock , to jazz and also traditional Nigerian music , her exposure to sound was diverse .
“ Traditional Nigerian music , as with most
“ Although I am an alternative rock artist , I love and appreciate the music of all genres . Because of this , my taste in music is highly eclectic . With my work , what I try to do is fuse bits and pieces from all of these different styles , and the sound that I create is very explorative and experimental as a result . The songs have such complex , intricate layers , reminiscent of the swirling , dancing patterns of the album ’ s namesake .”