Solé Scott – Features Editor
This university is filled with talented students that excel on the court, classroom and stage. On Monday, Oct. 30 at the Adanti Student Center ballroom, students had the opportunity to showcase their talent at the Multicultural Social Justice Talent Show. One exceptional voice stood out amongst the performers. Nursing major Favour Amayo, a freshman, graced the stage with her rendition of the song “Stand Up” by Cynthis Erivo.
In the spotlight, Amayo bolted strong soulful cords that moved the crowd. Amayo said that she was proud of her performance since she did not let her nerves get the best of her.
“I was able to reach my full potential since my voice didn’t get shaky due to being nervous,” Amayo said.
Amayo’s impeccable voice and nerve control landed her the #1 spot and $300 cash prize in the talent show.
“When I won, I was really, really, really happy,” Amayo said. “The audience was really supportive, and people were screaming my name that I didn’t even know.”
Although Amayo gained attention and admiration from the crowd, in the audience she had a #1 fan supporting her. Nursing major Elise Ryan, a freshman, is the singer’s roommate and best friend. Ryan said she was proud of Amayo’s performance and talent.
“During the talent show, her song choice and stage presence was spectacular, along with her vocals,” Ryan said. “She was a little nervous before singing, but it didn’t show at all once the first beat dropped for her song.”
While this was Amayo’s first big break at the university, she has performed many times before and even in front of large stadiums.
“I sang at the Yard Goats with many, many, many people; also, at Carnegie Hall in New York and my high school’s sports events,” Amayo said.
With impressive performances under her belt, the 18-year-old has been singing for 14 years. Without further ado, let us tune into the start of Amayo’s singing career.
“I started singing at the age of 7 when I was in Nigeria, and I mostly started singing because of church. I grew up in the church since I was little,” Amayo said. “I came to the U.S. at the age of 11, and from then on I started exploring singing even more.”
Her passion for singing fostered into something greater. The soprano joined the choir in eighth grade and said that she fell in love with the various harmonies and pitches.
“I found out that I enjoyed the actual singing and said I want to do this,” Amayo said. “I loved hearing when sopranos, altos, basses and tenors would all come together to be one voice.”
Despite her devotion to singing, Amayo was not a powerhouse overnight.
“At first, I wasn’t really good at singing. Like there were people that were better than me. I had to work my way up and practice more,” Amayo said.
With room for improvement, Amayo said that she learned from notable soprano singers such as Céline Dion, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Through this, she was able to mirror their tricks and ranges. Amayo also noted that she applied what she learned to her own voice.
“Every day of my life, every second of my life, every minute, I was always singing. As I sing every day, I hear the mistakes and improve,” Amayo said.
Even as she improved, the singer still practices every day.
“She sings all the time, and it sounds very natural. Her singing voice is always perfect,” Ryan said.
Beyond the stage, Amayo is regarded as a kind-hearted friend. Nursing major Madeline Elmo, a freshman, is one of Amayo’s closest friends. Over the time they have shared together on campus, Elmo said that she grew to admire Amayo’s gentle character.
“Favour is a smart, kind, caring and considerate person. She is willing to help anyone and everyone she sees,” Elmo said. “She can light up the room with her infectious smile and personality.”
Drawing attention with her voice and character, Amayo stays true to who she is and what she believes in. Amayo said that she used singing to connect with people and send a message.
“Singing gives me a portal to connect with other people who have some of the same struggles as me,” Amayo said.
Amayo’s actions and voice are shattering rooms on campus. You can hear her voice on the university, chamber and gospel choirs on campus, as she has many more performances to come.
