Originally from Benin, Yaya Yaovi is rather evasive about his childhood. While he moved to France and Paris to study law at the Sorbonne, it was in 1980 that the public became acquainted with the singer with his first album, Release Time. These early compositions were a hit in Africa and France alike, and led Yaovi to perform on the African and European continents. Deciding to travel to Jamaica to record alongside the legendary Bob Marley, the latter died before he arrived. The result was Stop That Train, the Beninese artist's second album, released in 1983 and produced in the Jamaican star's studio. Yaya Yaovi's roots reggae made a lasting impression, and his live performances in Cotonou were a sensation. He reunited with Bob Marley's bassist to produce his third album, Seed, released in 1997, at the legendary Tuff Gong Studio. After numerous concerts, in the 2000s the singer became involved in his country, creating a cultural center and recording studio called YY BASE. With the release of the single "Adjaka", Yaovi returned to production years later, in 2019.