RayAma’s “9LIVES” EP is a Powerful Tale of Survival and Self-Belief

RayAma released his debut EP titled 9LIVES, a deeply personal 10 track project that has quickly resonated with listeners, earning over 8,000 streams on Audiomack within its first weeks.

Released on May 9th, 2025, the EP was produced by Big Steve and Edy Boi. The EP is more than an introduction to RayAma’s sound – it’s a story shaped by trials, resilience, and survival.

After moving to Freetown to pursue his musical dreams, RayAma found himself battling mental health challenges, illness, and loss of loved ones. He returned home for healing, carrying the weight of experiences that nearly broke him.

That was how the name 9LIVES was born. Each track in the project unfolds a different chapter of his journey, meant to not only tell his story but to uplift anyone going through struggles of their own.

Student First, An Artist Later

Raymond Bob Gibril Amara, popularly known as RayAma, is one of the most promising young voices rising from the South of Sierra Leone. Born and raised in Bo, RayAma’s journey to becoming an artist was not a straightforward path—but one built on grit, resilience, and the powerful pull of self-expression.

Growing up in a household where education was a top priority—his father being a strict school principal—RayAma’s early signs of musical talent came through miming songs from other artists.

“People predicted I would become an artist,” he said,

“but I wasn’t sure back then. My dad wanted grades, not music.”

Despite being a gifted student and an all-round sportsman—dabbling in basketball, tennis, and football—music stayed quietly in the background. It wasn’t until his university years at Njala University, where he pursued a degree in Computer Science, that things began to change.

RayAma’s Dreams and Harsh Experiences

A chance reconnection with a former schoolmate, Eddie, now a music producer, rekindled a spark. Inspired by the music of Drizilik, whom he admired for his lyricism and storytelling, RayAma began writing his own flows.

His debut track, born spontaneously while vibing to an instrumental, became an instant hit among peers. But even then, music took a backseat to academics, as he remained committed to making his father proud.

But real life doesn’t follow a syllabus.

After graduation, RayAma moved to Freetown in search of bigger musical opportunities—but the city hit harder than he expected.

“I lost one of my biggest supporters. I was ill. Mentally, I nearly lost it,” he shares.

“I had to return to Bo for traditional healing.”

It was during this turbulent chapter that the inspiration for his debut EP, 9LIVES, was born.

“This EP is more than just music—it’s my testimony,” says RayAma.

“I’ve been through things that could’ve taken my life. But I’m still here. That’s where 9LIVES came from.”

Tracklist of RayAma’s 9LIVES EP

9LIVES is a soul-stirring collection of tracks, each telling a piece of his journey—pain, healing, hustle, and rebirth. It’s not just a personal reflection, but also a message to anyone out there struggling to find strength.

“I want people to hear my story and be inspired. To know they’re not alone.”

The project features a constellation of young talents from Bo, including QD (South’s Most Wanted), Kidd Swizz, Kiddo Reez, Diddy Boy, Edy Boi, Divaine JC, and was co-crafted with Freetown-based producer and songwriter D4nny.

Since its release, 9LIVES has already racked up over 8,000 streams on Audiomack, a testament to its resonance with fans hungry for music that’s real, raw, and rooted.

RayAma is more than an artist. He’s a voice for the unheard, a product of Bo’s rising creative generation, and a living reminder that even when life comes for you nine times—you can still stand tall on the tenth.

RayAma’s tracklist on Audiomack

Fans’ Reactions: Audiomack Is Loving 9LIVES

Since the release of 9LIVES, fans have been flooding Audiomack with glowing comments, praising RayAma’s lyrical depth, production quality, and storytelling. Here are some of the standout reactions:

Rinho Boy said “Yooo! You didn’t come to play with this drop. Whole EP is a banger. Mad love King.”

Stylish AKK said “To the top my brother. This is ”

talaskashaw97 said “Great body of work”

adamamorgan933 said “Dope ♥️”

BHADBOY MAYA said “Classic”

richardpurcell512 said “This Album is lit Bro ”

sullehpatrick said “Ray to the world”

dhabwoy said “Good Job brother ”

glorylamina25 said “Keep it up bro ”

These reactions are a clear sign that RayAma’s 9LIVES is striking a chord with listeners—and that the voice of the South is making serious waves in Sierra Leone’s music scene.

Cover Art: 9Lives EP by RayAma released on May 9th, 2025