Folakemi is a British singer of Nigerian descent with a deep, soulful voice which has been likened to the voices of late jazz great, Nina Simone and contemporary nu-jazz artist, Amy Winhehouse. Born and raised in between Liverpool and the outskirts of London, Folakemi was heavily influenced by her father who was a avid fan of jazz and soul. The sounds of artists such as Fela Kuti, Billie Holiday, and Miles Davis (amongst many others) permeated her childhood. During a trip to Rio de Janeiro at the beginning of 2011, Folakemi fell in love with the colourful richness of Brazilian music and started to jam with friends, combining her jazzy, dulcet tones with the rhythmic Brazilian influence, thus creating a pungent blend of jazz and soul. In 2012, Folakemi, finally decided to leave London and launch her professional singing career in Rio de Janeiro.