Singer-songwriter Ayiesha Woods was born in Long Island, New York. However much of her childhood was spent on the British island of Bermuda.
Ayiesha’s grandfather was a professional musician, and she began writing songs at an early age. When she was in her teens, the Lord changed her musical direction, and she started writing Christian lyrics.
Ayiesha eventually recorded a Marlin award-winning independent album entitled What You Do to Me, leading to Toby Mac signing her to Gotee Records in 2004. Her debut project on Gotee, entitled Introducing Ayiesha Woods, was released in 2006 and earned her both Grammy and Dove award nominations. She recorded two additional projects for the label. One, a holiday album, which brought an additional Dove nomination. Her new, independently released album is entitled Full Circle.
. . .
What started you on your musical journey?
My musical journey started after I gave my life to Jesus as a preteen. I had an ear for music and I dabbled on instruments, but once I surrendered to Jesus, I began writing songs. That’s really where it started for me.
Our Heavenly Father will sometimes send us down an unexpected path— one that blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a divine detour?
As a matter of fact, yes! I have experienced a divine detour. When I got married in 2010, we lived in North Texas. Our first son was born there, and I just assumed we’d be in Texas forever. Well, the Lord had other plans. I had come off the label I was on and worked for my husband in Central Florida. I had already told myself that I’d NEVER live in Central Florida again (where we lived before Texas), but this was for work so we moved back. I may have done a little kicking and screaming, but God graced us and moving back to Florida has proven to be the absolute best thing for our family, for our marriage and for our ministry. We’ve come Full Circle!
Let’s talk about your new EP, Full Circle (September 2020). Please tell us about it. What is the significance of the title?
I’m glad that you asked. Almost two decades ago, I began this journey. I recorded my very first independent project in Central Florida with my husband, who was just a friend then. He and I co-produced with an extremely gifted producer, revisited some old songs and used them on that project, which ended up being an incredible catalyst in my life and service to God.
Ironically, the same has been the case for ‘Full Circle.’ To begin with, it is an independent effort and it was recorded in Central Florida. We’ve had the privilege of working with one of the same producers from back then. We revisited some older songs and chose to put them on this project. My husband and I have co-written and co-produced, just like we did back then.
I had no idea that back in 2001, God would do what He did with that project. We just made a record desiring to share what God had given. The same is true with ‘Full Circle.’ We don’t know what God is going to do with it or how He’s going to use it, but we do believe that it’s a catalyst to propel us to the next phase of ministry in our lives and service to God.
How exciting! What was the foundation song for the project?
The foundation song for the project is ‘Family.’ It’s a global theme song celebrating life, love and family.
What song are you most looking forward to performing live?
I’m mostly looking forward to playing the song ‘Never’ live. It’s a fun, lively, uptempo track that talks about never going back to the old life before Christ. Celebrating a new life in Christ Jesus. The GOOD LIFE!
A few fun questions…
What’s your favorite comfort food and why?
I suppose my favorite comfort food is good Tex Mex. I lived in Texas for some years and came to really love it. Now that I live outside of Texas, whenever I have great Tex Mex it reminds me of my Texas days.
What Bible passage or story best describes your journey of faith?
I’d have to say Matthew 6:25-34. It has been a life passage for me ever since my early 20’s. I cried out to God one day asking Him about my life and purpose, and then opened my Bible to that very passage. It starts off with Jesus asking, “Why are you worried about your life?”
In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?
Ha-ha. Maybe the little girl thing to walk in high heels.
Thank you, Ayiesha! It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.
Gosh, thank YOU. The pleasure is all mine.
For more information about Ayiesha Woods, visit her website and/or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
To order Full Circle, log on to her website store.