Who is Sylvester Aklamavo (Syssy)?

Sylvester Aklamavo (Syssy) is a Guitarist, percussionist, Singer, Arranger, Songwriter, Producer, Blogger and Guitar Instructor; He can also speak French, English, Yoruba, Guoun and Mina. He’s of Nigeria and Republic of Benin background. He had his primary education in Cotonou before He migrated to Nigeria to live with his parents. At age 14, Sylvester started his musical career in the church as a percussionist. His father, who was a Clergyman in Celestial Church of Christ, gave him a complete support.

In 1994, Syssy developed interest in the Lead guitar and took His first guitar lesson from one of His father’s friends called “Alore”; and later by His Uncle, Sunday Idowu and other guitarists like Akin Ajayi and Germaine Kpadonou. Circa 1995, Syssy has started playing professionally. He has led the choir of His Father’s church to many gospel competitions and won many Trophies. He has led his high school to many Inter-High school musical competitions.

In 1996, he joined Celestial Church of Christ (C.C.C) Central Choir Worldwide led by Wole Adetiran (the Dean of Music department, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria) Where he was a tenor singer and learned some basics in music theory and later became the guitarist of the choir. He later developed himself in Music theory and practice by buying instructional guitar books, DVDs from Al Leonard, Berklee press, Alfred etc… And free online lessons.

Syssy, has played with lots of Nigerian Artistes and Bands like: Jide Chord, a London based Nigerian “Juju” musician; Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1) a “Fuji” musician; ARA the Enigma, Syssy was the band Leader in Ara’s band when the band won a National Music Award. He has performed at events like: The 40th Anniversary of Cadbury; Abeokuta day in Ogun State; Opening ceremony of Gateway Games (a national sport festival in Nigeria); Leon .H. Sullivan Summit VII ; Melody for Dialogue among Civilization Association (UNICEF). Sylvester has shared stage with both local and international Artistes like: King Sunny Ade (KSA); Oliver de Coque, Sir Shina Peters, P-Square, Don Moen, Curt Carr, Cecee Winans, Israel Houghton, Alvin Slaughter, Martha Munizzi, Lionel Peterson, Tye Tribett ,Jimmy Dludlu, Salif Keita ,Hugh Masekela, Ringo etc . He has worked as musician in churches like: Assemblies of God, Ikeja; St. Timothy Anglican Church, Ogba; House on the Rock, Onikan; all in Lagos, Nigeria .He has also performed before an audience of over 350,000 people.

In 2007, He did his first Demo Project called “FI ETI SI” before He migrated to South Africa in 2008, to expand his Musical Horizon. He has a SEXTET/ six (6) piece band called “SYLVESTER AKLAMAVO & MITON FUSION BAND” which he put together with some of His friends; the band plays Fusion of African Jazz, Contemporary Jazz and World music;mostly their originals. He has also featured as extra on T.V advertisements like STATUS with HHP, DSTV EXPLORA-what makes woman so unique and also the soapy MUVHANGO. Sylvester has also taken part in live DVD recordings with Sinach “SINACH LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA”, James Okon “MAMBO SAWA-SAWA” and many more. He has also played Lead Guitar for Prince Malatji’s band, Mapumba’s group, Max-Hoba, Kelly Khumalo, Africa mamas theatre group etc….. And he has also played lots of jazz festivals with Wanda Baloyi. In 2014, He released his first debut AFRO-FUSION album called “EXTREME” which is available on iTunes, Amazon and CDbaby. He collaborated with different artists, including an American based Jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke who plays for the piano legend Herbie Hancock.

At present He just launched his book titled “SYLVESTER AKLAMAVO SONGBOOK Volume 1″. He is also busy marketing his music and performing locally around South Africa. He has also just completed online some Certificate course in “JAZZ IMPROVISATION“ “MUSIC BUSINESS” from BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC through COURSERA.

His band performed at STANDARD BANK JOY OF JAZZ 2017 on the Development Stage, as one of the winners of DISCOVER S03 COMPETITION and the band was also the 1st runner up of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2018 ESPAFRIKA’s Young legends online competition