Musical Footprints: Pioneer TEDx Music Performer at the inaugural TEDx Atlanta Women Event – SOAR ’22

Eight years ago, I wrote a blog post on “Three Nigerian friends and their TEDx Talks worth sharing” little did I know that I will be gracing a TEDx stage myself under monumental circumstances. Monumental because this will be the first ever curated TEDx Women event in Atlanta. Usually for a TED or TEDx event, speakers and performers apply and go through a screening and selection process, so I consider it a divinely destined blessing because on the contrary, I was “discovered” through a social media post comment by TEDx Atlanta curator, Jacqui Chew (Thanks Mark Zuckerberg 🙂 ) and thankfully my brand presence and the work that I’d already put out (Consistency is key) contributed to a positive outcome.

So here I was, in a short time span, I was Jacqui’s answer to her last minute prayer. I joined a formidable and impressive speaker roster of 10, I became number 11, not as a Speaker or a Performing Speaker but as a Performer. Alongside these powerful group of female changemakers, I will inspire an audience through songs, to spread their wings to build a more inclusive and equitable world where girls and women can truly soar.

I chose a fan favorite , “Ile” (Home) and to inspire in line of the theme to “SOAR”, I would close out the event with a “grand finale” performance. I chose to specifically write a song for this purpose titled “Loke Loke” which means “Higher Higher” in my Yoruba language. The video is published here. Grateful to have the musical support of my ABiKE Music duo partner, legendary Bayo Bello on keys and steel pan, a unique addition. Here is our Ile (Home) Performance below, please like and drop a comment. My little intro speech that’s missing is here or scan the QR code below to listen

Thankful for the lovely women I met at this event, the very professional TEDx team and grateful and blessed to be part of making history.
TEDxAtlanta is coming back to the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University. When: Friday, Mar 17, 2023
Theme: We, rise. More info here

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Miss Nigeria USA 2017

Founded in 2014, the Miss Nigeria USA was established with the aim of celebrating the Nigerian woman while appreciating their beauty, talent, skills and other unique attributes and goals she exhibits. The organization plans to achieve their goal through the Miss Nigeria USA Pageant event where contestants will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their physical, cultural and intellectual attributes as they choose a goodwill ambassador who will represent Miss Nigeria USA Pageant and Nigeria as a whole on a positive light.

They aim to be recognized as a leading world organization that empowers young women and supports them towards achieving their individual goals as they promote their culture.

Source: Anyane Photography PhotoBlog ~~~  Miss Nigeria USA 2017

#ByeBye2016 ~ The Legends Are Passing The Torch – (Poetry + Pics)

Hello Friends,

Been a minute. Hope this blog post meets you in good health and great expectations for the coming new year. Compliments of the season to you.

2016 has been somehow somehow but we still give thanks to our Creator, we are alive to continue to pursue our passions and add value to the earth and fellow humanity.  This 2016 has seen a lot of deaths, famous people who have contributed their quota to life, old and young, some sadly gone too soon, people we know and people we don’t know. I believe our legends are passing the baton. Are you one of the ones to take it and keep the creativity flow going? Are you ready to create your own legacy, create something new, of value that you will be remembered for?  We’ve lost so many great ones this year. Especially in the arts and entertainment industry. Their works live on and their legacies remain in memoriam.

Below, I share with you a poem written by a talented young poet and master of words who I connected with on Facebook who goes by the pseudonym ‘Happy Prince’.  Read below, after this tribute video courtesy “Do You Remember?” Facebook page, which is a live video being updated as time goes by as we are sadly, being surprised daily of news of sudden deaths.  May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen!

Gone like the day,
Like its sun,
Your journey is like today,
Tomorrow it will not return,

Torn from existence,
Your race has known its end,
No matter the strength of resistance,
Your remains no longer on this air depend,

As you shook hands with death,
Your legend was born,
Ferried through all the earth,
Who says you are done,

Your light brightened the path of many,
Your voice knew no race,
You shared love with people diverse and plenty,
Leaving hatred no trace,

Let the sun shine,
Let the moon glow,
Let the birds travel at ‘half mast’ in a straight line,
Let the land whiten with snow,

Let eyes bleed tears,
Let voices shake with emotion,
Let dirges ring in both ears,
For another train has left the station,

You conquered though outnumbered,
We celebrate your bravery,
Your name will ever be remembered,
We will tell you’d story,

A story hot on history’s lips,
Generations will hear and learn,
The least of the secrets it keeps,
Even time will pen,

Rest in the light.

************** ************#Happy Prince ****************************

“no man is self-made” – Happy Prince

celebrities are fan-made, team work makes the dream work 

**************************************************************************

On a beautiful note, I leave you with visuals of a round up photo shoot for 2016. Shot by budding Atlanta Photographer  – Simeon Fabunmi  and beautiful quotes to start off the new year.

I wish you the best of 2017 and may it be better than 2016! 

Simeon Fabunmi

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Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing… See you in 2017

xoxo

Tosinger

The New Miss USA 2016 is Deshauna Barber @RealMissDCUSA

Deshauna Barber from the District Of Columbia has won the Miss USA title for 2016!

The annual pageant was held  on June 5, 2016  in Las Vegas with 52 contestants. Deshauna Barber was presented her crown by the Miss USA 2015, Olivia Jordan of Oklahoma.  Miss Georgia – Emanii Davis,  and Miss Hawaii, Chelsea Hardin were named the runners up.

Photos via @HectorJoaquin on Twitter

Miss District of Columbia Deshauna Barber is the commander of her unit in the U.S. Army and she uses the pageant as a platform to promote gender equality in the military. She is very proud of her achievements and being able to serve our country – heavy

 Photos via Miss USA

 

Congratulations Miss USA!!

YAAAAS QUEEN! #MissUSApic.twitter.com/fmC1TYy02l

— MISS USA (@MissUSA) June 6, 2016

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing..

Tosinger

✿ ✿ ✿ P.S — Queen of Africa Dolls are available for pre-order here!  ✿ ✿ ✿

#Ghana’s @ROCKYDAWUNI Nominated for Grammy for Best Reggae Album!

GHANA’S ROCKY DAWUNI GOES FOR GRAMMY GOLD

 Cumbancha artist Rocky Dawuni‘s latest album, Branches of the Same Tree has just been nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Reggae Album category. Dawuni, the only non-Jamaican artist in the running this year and the first Ghanaian to be nominated, is up against some of the heavyweights of modern reggae with his Billboard Top 10 album. 

Reflecting on the prestigious nomination, Dawuni says that he feels, “truly honored and at the same time humbled. I’ve always focused on giving my best in my work and it’s a good feeling to know that it is being appreciated. I am grateful for the recognition. Branches of the Same Tree is about stressing the common roots that we all share in this human family. It inspires the listener to aspire to a place of hope. It’s about having faith in the power of compassion and oneness.”

The final ballots to determine the GRAMMY winners are due by January 15th, 2016. If you are a voting member, we encourage you to include Rocky Dawuni on your ballot. The 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards will broadcast live on CBS on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Wishing Rocky Dawuni all the best.

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing..

Tosinger

P.S. He will be in Ghana for a home coming concert

Happy ThanksGiving 2015!

Happy ThanksGiving

Happy ThanksGiving to friends and fans in the U S of A.

Give Thanks!

This special song is my way of saying “Thank You” to you all for your support and love..download ‘Merci Beaucoup’ from my recently launched album ‘Organically Singing’; just enter 0.00 at checkout. For a limited time only. Click HERE to download

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.
Brian Tracy

ThanksSinging From My Heart To Yours,

Tosinger

www.tosinger.com

Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing..

Afrodreamfest NYC 2015 Review by #VoiceOfAmerica (@VOANews) & #AIT (@AIT_Online) Journalist – Adanma Odefa (@AOdefa)

Afrodreamfest has come and gone but the glorious aftermath still linger in the hearts and souls of the attendees . Afrodreamfest, a touring concert to celebrate African Liberation Day ( #AfricaDay  May 25) and promote upcoming talented neo~afro fusion artists in the diaspora took place this year (May 22 at Meridian 23 and May 23 at Silvana Harlem)  in the vibrant city that never sleeps – New York City. It featured an eclectic line up of artists including myself (Afrosoul), Ayanbinrin – the female talking drummer (Afrofolk), Ogasilachi (AfroRnB), Eli Fola (AfroJazz), Laolu and The Afromysterics (Afrobeat), Aduke (Afrosoul) and bonus features Afro pop artistes – Ayo In Motion and Na!ra. To promote the event, you can also watch my Sahara radio interview with the Humble Prince here 

Below is a heartfelt review by International Journalist Adanma Odefa in the selfie below 🙂

Adanma and Tosinger

 

Afrodreamfest Experience in New York City

When a friend of mine told me about the Afrodreamfest in New York City, my first reaction was, ‘I might as well have an adventure, I’ve got nothing else to do!’. So I packed up and went to New York City from Washington DC not really expecting much. Although I had been in New York previously, the city didn’t fail in keeping me on my toes. Finally, we made it to Chelsea where the concert was holding.

Ogasilachi

Laolu

My first thought was, ‘wow! What strong vocals! What powerful lyrics! What artistic sincerity!‘. This was the reaction the young lady Aduke evoked when she sang. Reeling from that, I sailed through several other performances including the beautiful ‘Naira’ who struck me as sleek, chic and distinct with her rap style. Naira effortlessly executed a marriage of American rap culture and African uniqueness.

Aduke

Na!ra

The icing on cake for me was Ayanbirin. She has such a presence on stage that depicts Africanism in a way that was almost tangible. I gawked in awe as she dominated every single person in the room. Her power was all the more enchanting with her backup drummer and sidekick. Day one ended with dancing and exhaustion. I went back to my lodgings wondering what day two would bring.

Ayanbinrin

By the end of day two, I was glad it was a two-day event. I had missed some of the performances from day one so I got the experience of fresh excitement. It was on this day that I got the opportunity of falling under the musical enchantress’s spell. Tosinger endeared me with her beautiful all African costume and her lively stage presence. Day two icing on the cake for me was AyoInMotion. I am not trustful of my capacity to put into words the powerful emotions this artist invoked in me. He reached deep into my soul and pulled out all things African within me and left me feeling sad for those who are unable to claim African roots.

Tosinger

Ayo in motion

Altogether, Afrodreamfest was precisely a dreamy artistic romance with Africa. I look forward to the next one with a barely contained feverish excitement.

Adanma Odefa
International Journalist,
Voice of America.

To see videos, do visit https://www.youtube.com/user/AfroDreamFest

For photos visit, click https://www.facebook.com/AfroDreamFest/photos_stream

Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Visit www.afrodreamfest.com, sign up on the email list to stay updated on future events.

Beautifully Dreaming Positively Doing

Tosinger

Afrodreamfest NYC May 22 and May 23

Ongoing for three years now, AfroDreamFest is an annual touring concert that celebrates and promotes neo afro-fusion artists/genres of music from the African continent in the diaspora to commemorate African Liberation Day. (May 25) . Previous ones were held in Atlanta and Houston and it is coming to NYC this year. For more about Afrodreamfest see – www.afrodreamfest.com

As the convener, I wanted to see a platform for afro-indie artists in the diaspora who make meaningful good music to come together and share a stage,  it has been a journey and an ongoing one as the event continues to brand itself in the afro~diaspora traveling across select cities across America. As years go by, the hope is to have interested sponsors push it to a wider reach on a bigger stage with larger audiences who appreciate the afro fusion music these talented artists are putting out. Performing in New York on May 22 at world music venues Meridian 23 on Friday May 22 and on Saturday May 23 at Silvana respectively  are Brooklyn based  Afrobeat band ‘Laolu and The Afromysterics’, myself, Afrosoul/folk/acoustic music ‘Tosinger’, AfroRnB artist ‘Ogasilachi‘ , Afro Jazz Artist ‘Eli Fola’ and from Nigeria, Ayanbinrin- Africa’s foremost female Talking Drummer and a guest artist from Nigeria, afrosoul artist Aduke. Tickets are available online at $10 and will be $15 at the door. Doors open at 7.30pm and show starts 8pm till 11ish on both days. See you there if you are in New York, great way to spend the memorial day weekend holiday and enjoy/support good music. ~https://afrodreamfestnyc2015.eventbrite.com ~

 

Here’s a glimpse of what you will experience live.

Ayanbinrin

Eli Fola

Tosinger

Laolu

Ogasilachi

Aduke

To stay updated on Afrodreamfest,

like on Facebookat https://www.facebook.com/AfroDreamFest , follow on Twitter@afrodreamfest and check out videos at www.youtube.com/afrodreamfest.
Website:www.afrodreamfest.com

Beautifully Dreaming…Positively Doing..

Tosinger

 

 

Lagbaja US Tour – Live in Atlanta with Special Guest Tosinger

Nigeria’s international musician, Bisade Ologunde popularly known as Lagbaja embarked on a month-long tour of the United States of America. The tour will see Lagbaja and his 8 piece Motherland band perform at 15 different cities. It ends on May 17, 2015 at Washington DC.

I will be opening for him in Atlanta on May 10 at the popular concert space – The Variety Playhouse. Click here for more info

Atlanta based, eclectic afrosoulful artist, Tosinger. opens for legendary afrobeat/afrojazz artist from Nigeria – Lagbaja on May 10 at 7pm at the Variety Playhouse, Atlanta

Windstorm Productions Proudly Presents  LAGBAJA The first question that is often asked when Lágbájá is encountered is, “Why the mask?” Basically, Lágbájá’s mask is used as an icon of man’s facelessness. Lágbájá is a Yoruba word that means somebody, nobody, anybody or everybody. It perfectly depicts the anonymity of the so called “common man”. The mask and the name symbolize the faceless, the voiceless in the society, particularly in Africa. Once you see Lágbájá’s mask you are reminded of your own facelessness. This symbolism is so powerful that Lágbájá’s mask has popularized the use of the mask concept by other artistes both in Nigeria and beyond. Though the concept was developed long before that, his first album (entitled Lágbájá) was released to National acclaim in 1993. Over the years and more albums later, the music continues to fascinate with its unique focus on a core of African drums. His music is a product of various influences ranging from traditional Yoruba music to Jazz. Often the music is purely instrumental- an interplay between traditional Yoruba percussions, drums, chants, and western instruments, especially the saxophone. When there are lyrics, they are primarily sung in Yoruba, English or a blend of the two as is colloquially spoken in Yoruba cities. Many of his songs dwell on serious social issues, while others simply entertain. Some are dance inducing while others pass serious messages in humourous ways. One thing that links all the songs together is his use of traditional African drums. Traditional Yoruba drums are the most prominent. Four families of these drums are employed in creating different grooves and moods. The dundun/gangan family is the most prominent and at times up to five drummers combine all the various components to create the polyrhythms. The bata ensemble is led by two musicians who alternate between soft high toned driving rhythms with their omele bata, and thunderous loud talk with their mum drum- iya ilu. The general percussionist leads the sakara ensemble. The fourth family, used as the backbone of the groove is the ogido, a derivative of the ancient gbedu. The ensemble of drummers constitute the larger part of the band. Vocalists and western instrumentalists make up the rest. Lágbájá’s groovy fusion has been refered to as afrojazz, afrobeat, higherlife and afropop until now that he himself has christened the music AFRICANO, alluding mostly to the central role of African drums and grooves in his music. Experience Lágbájá! (video) Sunday, MAy 10, 8pm, $25 advance / $30 day of show Tickets available at the Variety Playhouse Box Office and all Ticketmaster Outlets. Order by phone at 800-745-3000 or online here.

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing…

Tosinger

Each Passing Day – Photo Exhibition at The Lagos Photo Foundation

The Lagos Photo foundation will be hosting an opening reception of Akintunde Akinleye’s solo exhibition entitled Each Passing Day, which will take place on Sunday, April 19th, 6PM at the Red Door Art Gallery, 51 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Nigeria.

 

Each Passing Day is a careful selection from the hundreds of thousands of single images, extracted from different documentary projects and spot news events, which were inspired by the Nigerian space during the last decade and now. 

This exhibition showcases Akintunde’s photography documentation of Nigeria by bringing together photographs categorized to reflect series of unrelated events and activities of the daily lives of ordinary citizens in Nigeria. 

The pictures depict a truthful rendering of each passing day in the life of resilient Nigerians and show the political, social and physical landscape in which we exist.

Akintunde Akinleye, is the first Nigerian Photographer to have been awarded a prize in the prestigious World Press Photo, Netherlands in 2007 with an iconic photograph of a man rinsing soot from his face at the scene of an oil pipeline explosion in Lagos, December 2006. An award fellow of the National Geographic Society- All Roads photo project, Akintunde currently lives in Lagos and works for Reuters covering breaking news, documentary pieces and human interest stories.

The Akintunde Akinleye Exhibition is brought to you by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria with its joint venture partners and the LagosPhoto Foundation. 

Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Speaking

Tosinger