Rising Nigerian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rayona (born Gift Motunrayo Oyelusi) is making waves across the music landscape with her soul-stirring melodies, honest lyricism, and compelling artistic origin story. Signed to Horme Music in 2024, the Jos-bred artist continues to captivate audiences following the release of her acclaimed debut EP, ‘Ray of Sunshine’.
Raised in Jos, Plateau State, Rayona grew up immersed in a vibrant musical household surrounded by pianos, guitars, and violins. Her early dedication to the craft saw her playing drums in her elementary school band before mastering a suite of instruments, including the flute, guitar, violin, and her absolute favorite—the piano. For Rayona, the piano remains the emotional centerpiece of her artistry and the foundation where her creative expression truly flourishes.
Before discovering her singing vocals, Rayona honed her songwriting and lyricism through rap. Engaging in online Facebook rap battles during her formative years, she developed a sharp gift for wordplay, structure, and story-crafting. Drawing artistic inspiration from global icons like Alan Walker and Ariana Grande, she spent years dissecting intricate vocal harmonies, arrangements, and background textures to craft unforgettable melodies.
Rayona’s path to professional singing took off independently, recording raw covers—including Aurora’s “Runaway”—on her mobile phone using BandLab. Her raw talent and unwavering dedication caught the attention of Horme Music, leading to her signing in 2024. Transitioning into professional recording studios gave Rayona access to top-tier production and the platform to elevate her songwriting into deeply personal narrative art.
Released in October 2025, her debut EP, Ray of Sunshine, serves as a poignant exploration of youth, self-discovery, emotional vulnerability, and hope. Across the project, Rayona channels her personal life experiences and internal thoughts into a relatable soundtrack for young people navigating life’s complexities.
“When people listen to my songs, I want them to hear more than just melodies and lyrics—I want them to find pieces of themselves in my experiences,” says Rayona. “We all have our struggles, our fears, and our moments of joy. Through my music, I hope to remind people that they are not alone in what they feel.”
With ‘Ray of Sunshine’, Rayona confirms her place as one of the most exciting and authentic new voices in contemporary music, creating songs designed not just to be heard, but deeply felt.
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