Meet Elena Ayodele, [@elena_ayodele] the face behind the flute in Future’s ‘Mask Off’

The keyword at the moment is ‘Flute’ and although it isn’t a new word, it is the latest instrument to be heard in rap.

Future’s “Mask Off” descended onto the scene with a sample from legendary vocalist, Tommy Butler- ‘Prison song‘. As distinctive as the song is, a continuous flute can be heard vigorously throughout the song. Now to many this wouldn’t come as anything to think about, until Elena Ayodele was revealed as the flautist behind the piercing flute.

At only 22 years of age, Elena has already made her mark as the ‘plug’  between the Jazz and Hip-hop world. Kick srtaring her career as a flautist at the age of 7, she quickly rose to achieve a notable amount of credits under her belt. Such as recording with Common, performing at the White House, working with Ambrose Akinmusire and Herbie Hancocek just to name a few. It is undoubted that we will hear more from the Nigerian star for years to come. Don’t believe us?

The Guardian described her as ‘The most exciting jazz flautist to have emerged in years’. Those at Coachella also got to see the rising star at the festival on stage with Future and perform Mask off live.

Now how many people can say they get to do that? Check out her Mask Off Challenge above to see her work in action.