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

Advertisement

Terra Cotta/Open Stage Fridays Launches in Atlanta

Hello everyone,

It’s been a minute and you will see why as you read on. The first quarter of the year is about to round up and  I hope you’ve got those goals you set for 2017 started on and your dreams are being facilitated by real active/action steps. 😉

Four years ago, my passion for promoting good music and  upcoming talented musicians led me to putting together a concept of creating a platform for afro-indie artists of all genres in different US cities to perform on a common stage, a touring concert called Afrodreamfest, it picked up and kinda wound down due to lack of sponsorship/funds, skipped a year but hope to pick up soon.  Fast forward to 2016,  I thought, why not let “charity” (in this case, a business, artpreneurship) begin at the place I call ‘home’ for now, and this idea led to the birth of Terra Cotta ATL, a brick and mortar space with a similar vision (of Afrodreamfest) having local indie artists (afro or not) share a common stage of expressing themselves musically with a live band for a live intimate audience – concerts, open mics, soirees etc. It also gives the community the opportunity to enjoy live music culture which is fast being replaced by online streamings and downloads.

There is nothing like experience in-person energy of music and why not make it available for music lovers who can enjoy this without breaking the bank as they do for  the big shots who tour, while supporting the upcoming ones.  Welcome Terra Cotta, (I got the inspiration for the name from red brick/earthenware signifying the earthy colors of Africa, reds, oranges and deep browns, the color of Africa, the sun, the sand..etc. I am sure you get the idea 🙂 )

Terracotta, terra cotta or terra–cotta (pronounced [ˌtɛrraˈkɔtta]; Italian: “baked earth”, from the Latin terra cocta), a type of earthenware, is a clay-based unglazed or glazed ceramic, where the fired body is porous.- wikipedia

Terra Cotta is now officially open and is also very affordable and available to the public for rentals, meetings, pop up shops, product launches, workshops, rehearsals, screenings and exhibitions. It is located in Marietta, Georgia which is just about 15mins ~ ish from downtown Atlanta.  Check out the website here, sign up and send us an email at terracottaatl@gmail.com

A regular programming of the space will be Open Stage Fridays and I am excited to announce the first open stage Friday will be taking place on March 17,2017.  See details below ~

Here’s announcing and inviting YOU to Terra Cotta Open Stage Fridays

WHAT IS “Open Stage Fridays”? Produced by TOSINGER of DreamWeavers Entertainment Open Stage Fridays is an open stage intimate music event (but with pre-registered artists) at TERRA COTTA ATL, indie artists perform live to an audience of music lovers in a cozy atmosphere with an artsy ambiance. Currently free with RSVP every 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. Break away from social media and come and enjoy some live music sessions with Atlanta based unique artists of all genres. Friday, March 17 will feature renowned Nollywood actress and singer, Stella Damasus, Cameroonian dancehall artist Taybid & Afrornb and Afrobeats artist, Sammy Brown. Hosted by Cape Verdean Beauty and Singer – Marijo Monteiro Next Open Stage Friday will be on April 7, 2017. Lineup to be announced soon

DATE AND TIME Fri, March 17, 2017 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST LOCATION TERRA COTTA 136 Fairground Street Southeast Marietta, GA 30060

Also, on March 31, I will be performing with my Cape Verdean friend and singer, MariJo

Artist Features MariJo + Tosinger in Concert (March 31, 2017 @ 7pm, $10)

West Africa shines through these two vocal powerhouses, Cape Verde meets Nigeria and share the music stage at Terra Cotta. Break away from the ordinary and come and experience and enjoy unique music like you’ve never heard before in a cozy, artsy intimate setting. Live music, so close it vibrates your soul and relaxes your body. See you there. Click here for tickets

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TerraCottaATL

Sign up on our email list on our website www.terracottaatl.com

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing…

Tosinger

#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

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCO with b5 preset

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing… See you in 2017

xoxo

Tosinger

Tempting Fate The Movie (@TFateMovie1) Coming to Cinemas on July 17

Tempting Fate, the Movie, comes to African (Nigerian + Ghanaian) Cinemas on July 17, 2015. Directed By US Based Nigerian Filmmaker Kevin Nwankwor of KevSTel Group and Theatrical Distribution for West Africa handled by Silverbird Distribution Company, Tempting Fate is a ‘Hollywood meets Nollywood’  riveting film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, scene by scene. Starring RAMSEY NOUAH as UGO and ANDREW ONOCHIE as EDU , two brothers, one of deep faith and the other buried in a life of crime who have their worlds torn apart when the wrong one goes to jail and the other commits an unforgivable act.

Synopsis

Two brothers share the same blood but walk parallel paths. Tempting Fate is the story of two brothers ; Edu and his older brother Ugo Okoye. Edu is a talented singer, he is calm, reflective and peaceful. He relies on his spirituality and the love of his wonderful girlfriend Tracey to help him combat a life threatening illness.

On the other hand, Ugo is hotheaded, impulsive and at times menacing. He finds himself wrapped in a life of robbery and crime which he knows will lead him down a path of destruction but it’s not an easy one to leave; a point his gang leader Scorpion (Dan Davies) has made clear. In an attempt to get money for a lifesaving procedure for his brother, Ugo triggers a chain of events that sends their worlds clashing, leaving behind a trail of hurts , deception and betrayal.
Does the walker choose the path or the path the walker ?

Watch the Trailer below

 

About Kevin Nwakwor

via IMDb

Kevin Nkem Nwankwor (KNN) – Film Director

Kevin Nkem Nwankwor (KNN) has had a passion for film throughout his life. Born in Issele-Uku Nigeria, he has made persistent steps toward his dream of becoming an accomplished filmmaker, first writing plays for the children and adult ministries of his local church, while leading its drama group.

While he studied Project Management and ultimately earned a
Bachelor of Science degree from the Federal University of Technology (2000), the passion still burned brightly to make films and provide entertainment. While in college, he formed its first Christian drama troupe, The Heavenly Theater (also known as The Thevites), and wrote and directed such plays as “In The Den of Agbalakwem” I and II (1996) and “Ashes of Regret” (1998). Kevin also toured with his troupe around universities throughout the East of Nigeria.

Before graduation, he went on to star in Nollywood movies “Enemies” (1997) and “Heartless” (1997) with veteran actors Kanayo O Kanayo, Saint Obi and Eucharia Anunobi. He also created and produced live comedy show “Comedy Half Hour,” hosted on NTA Channel 5 Abuja.

In 2008, after relocating to Atlanta, Kevin earned an MBA degree in Marketing (2010). This was the next step toward his dream of becoming a well-rounded filmmaker. Two years later, he obtained a Masters of Fine Art in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy. Today, that experience has led to the successful production a number of film works that showcase his faith with stories that move the soul. Kevin served as writer, producer and director for shorts films “Enemy Within” (2012) and “A Mother’s Love” (2012). The latter-based on a true-life event-was an official selection at Georgia’s Gwinnett Film Festival (July 2013) and Spain’s Marbella Film Festival (October 2013). His most current work is “Tempting Fate”

In addition, Kevin is CEO of faith-based entertainment company KevStel Group LLC, in Atlanta, where he resides with his wife Unoma, and their two children. The company’s mission is to provide quality content based on faith, hope and love through visuals and print.

A KevStel Production distributed by Silverbird Distribution

For more info about the movie

Website – www.temptingfate-movie.com
twitter – @tfatemovie1
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TemptingFate

To see full list of cast and crew, click here 

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing..

Tosinger

 

Afrikan Keresimesi (#Christmas) Carol @Tosinbeats @Tosinger

This blog post is following my writer friend Malaka‘s comment  saying — I’m the only person she knows who has vehemently insisted there are Christmas carols written and sung in Yoruba (my native language from Southwestern part of Nigeria) — 🙂   And there are really, traditional ones and one I incorporated here ‘Olugbala’, an original I wrote in 2012.  However, in this post, I am sharing a homely informal spontaneous recording of a composition of my musical brother ‘Tosin’ who I’d spotlighted sometime ago on the blog . He did a quick fly by Atlanta a couple of weeks ago.. and we decided to do an impromptu acoustic recording of a Yoruba ‘Owambe’ (party vibe) Christmas Song he wrote.

Here’s wishing you all a fantastic Christmas filled with love, joy , peace and everything Jesus the reason for the season brings. Enjoy and share!

 

Tosin says:

I grew up in post-colonial Nigeria, but the residue of colonialism was still palpable enough to have some impact on the post-colonial kids. For instance, I had British teacher in elementary school, and a British principal in high school. So we kept to some “oyinbo” (Caucasian) mannerism. However, I was able to, and still, blossom in my African way of life through enculturation fostered by my parents and my surroundings. And my musical direction is a reflection of this way of life.

With that said, I recently thought about doing an Afrikan Christmas Carol. Not that some African composers have never written some before, but I realized that we just repeat the same ol’ ones. So, on Wednesday morning (Dec. 10), the Heavens blessed me with a new composition. It was a few hours before my flight to Atlanta. And on getting to Atlanta I decided to do a quick collaboration with my Nigerian sister also called Tosin. The style of music I employed for this song is called Owambe.

  Hope you enjoyed it!

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

In the mean time, the campaign for my debut album ‘Organically Singing’ is still on.. just a few days left!! If you haven’t, please check out the link here http://bit.ly/1wK84Iv contribute, support, pre~order/get perks for this good music about to be cooked, the kitchen is set, the cooks are skilled, we just need help with getting the ingredients to begin the process. Thanks to those whose hearts believe in the project and have been sharing the link. Campaign ends on Dec 29. Thank you! And the meraki goes on …  Season’s Greetings!

 

Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing..

Tosinger

Support These Four Organizations To Help Fight Ebola

I am sharing with you a member email  I received from One.org – an international campaigning and advocacy organization of nearly 6 million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa – about how we can be part of the solution to the deadly disease ‘Ebola’ that has already taken lives in its toll.

Dear Tosin,

Just days ago, the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in West Africa a global health emergency.

This virus is hitting countries with some of the weakest health systems in the world. Places that don’t have enough trained doctors and nurses. Clinics that don’t have enough supplies to run labs. Villages that don’t have running water or reliable electricity.

This outbreak is showing just how important it is to have strong health systems in place. And it shows why members like you continue to fight for long-term investments in health.

But we need to work together now to stop Ebola in its tracks. Yes, this is a scary and infectious disease – but it can be stopped. And although you may feel removed from the crisis, there are still ways you can help.

Read, learn the facts, and help dispel the myths. And if you’d like to support the courageous work being done in West Africa to fight Ebola, there are many partners who are doing tremendous work on the ground. Find out more about them here.

We’ll keep you updated with news and information – and thanks for your support.

– ONE

Find out  in the article of how you can support,  compiled by Malaka Gharib, reblogged from the ONE blog.

…….In the face of the worst Ebola virus outbreak on record, the international community has rallied around critical efforts to stop the virus’ spread and care for those affected.

You can be a part of the solution by donating to organizations that are providing vital support to communities in Western Africa, including these:

MSF

From MSF’s website: “If contracted, Ebola is one of the world’s most deadly diseases. It is a highly infectious virus that can kill up to 90 percent of the people who catch it, causing terror among infected communities. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has treated hundreds of people with the disease and helped to contain numerous life-threatening epidemics.”

Catholic Relief Services

From the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) website: “Catholic Relief Services is working to stem the deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa, educating people about how the virus is spread so they can avoid catching it. CRS is working closely with local partners, government health officials, and religious leaders so that information can be channeled through trusted members of the community with a deep understanding of local belief systems.”

Africare

From Africare: “Africare is a Four-Star Rated, African-American founded development organization that works to improve the quality of life of people in Africa. Operating currently in 17 African countries, including countries most impacted by Ebola – Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria, Africare is aggressively supporting the fight against Ebola. By providing medical supplies, mobilizing our in-country staff to work with local partners including ministries of health, county health advisors, community leaders and healthcare workers, Africare is working to spread culturally sensitive messages in especially rural communities about Ebola and how to avoid contracting it and access treatment.”

Samaritan’s Purse

From Samaritan’s Purse’s website: “Samaritan’s Purse is mounting an aggressive and coordinated response to the largest outbreak ever documented of Ebola viral disease” …

Looking for other ways to get involved? You can help by spreading facts about the Ebola virus to fight misconceptions, learning more about how the global health community is responding and sharing personal stories from the doctors on the ground. The Centers for Disease Control is a great resource for reliable information, including this fact sheet.

Beautifully Dreaming.. Positively Doing..

x

Tosinger

Photos, Music & A Birthday Wish

It’s my birthday, Yeah Yeah! It’s my birthday! January 27!! For those who wonder what my age is, I’ll help you out just by saying I am close to knocking on the 40’s door. I can hear you say “But you don’t look it” I I don’t ‘cos my mom doesn’t look it 🙂  Thanks mom for the genes.. lol and above all, thank God for his Grace, Mercy and Favor all through the years. Without Him, I won’t be where I am today.

So I decided that I was gonna do a promotional pictorial 7 day birthday countdown (on my social media platforms), a countdown also to the release of a new acoustic song  featuring Oriri  titled ‘This Smile‘ recorded at Sound Resort Studios, Atlanta. This SMilE ~ is a song about my famed smile that inspires others to smile because “it’s free therapy” 🙂 And in so doing, also announce a mini launch  of my NGO – Adopt A Guitar, Inc. that will be putting smiles on the faces of young talents.

 ‘Adopt A Guitar’ is partnering with ‘Playing For Change’ for a 2014 drive to donate acoustic guitars to talented underprivileged youth/students in African countries. The vision is “14 Guitars” 2014 Drive. Starting small with 14 Guitars for 14 deserving talents. The 2 selected schools are : Bizung School of Music & Dance in Tamale, Ghana & Ntonga Music School in Gugulethu, South Africa

And here is presenting, my very organic, simple, acoustic, unplugged music offering ‘This Smile’ (from my 2014 musical work in progress tagged #OrganicallySinging) Click here –> http://www.noisetrade.com/tosinger/this-smile to download and kindly leave a tip to support ‘Adopt A Guitar’ . It’s all about talent, heart, music, development, putting a smile on the face of another, by giving guitars to very talented youth who cannot afford it otherwise . I have partnered with ‘Playing For Change’ to give out 14 acoustic guitars this year. I call it the ’14 Guitars 2014 Drive‘ . Dreams can surely come true! This is my birthday wish. Thank you all in advance for your support.

And for those who didn’t catch  the 7 day countdown visuals, do see below. Here goes a big shout out to the very talented and artistic Photographer, Ms Lola Scott of Lola Scott Art, Atlanta

Lola Scott and Tosinger

And… Thanks to Adebola Oyeku of Boundless Beauty, she does natural make up flawlessly.. highly recommended and the lovely dresses are from Studio D’Maxsi Designs of Maryland and Hair (Makeda Twists) by Xpressyourkinks.

Adebola MuA and Tosinger

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

And last but not least, here’s thanking all my friends and my family esp my three men who are as solid as a rock in supporting all my creative endeavors. God bless you all.

Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing..

xoxo

Tosinger

A Project Highlight of 2013

Hello Everyone,

Countdown! Countdown!  to the season’s festivities – Christmas, coming New Year et al. I know everyone’s getting busy busy busy. A friendly reminder of the essence of the celebrations – love & kindness, peace and joy, the ultimate gift of salvation from the reason for the season – Jesus! And as we climb the stairway of life, I pray it’s upward ever, backward never.

As a Creative Arts Consultant, I get to be involved with quite a few fun  and interesting projects (many people have wondered what I do professionally, apart from my artistic talent of singing/songwriting so this should clear that air, see right section for more info) and this year, a particular project was one of the highlights.  A pioneering,  phenomenal, history making project where I got to use practically almost all of my skills. 🙂 It was an experience. I was on board the team as a PR/Event Promotions Consultant ( My company Dreamweavers Entertainment) and as a Vocalist for the production of ‘Wedlock of the gods’, a play written by Nigeria’s first female playwright – the late Dr Zulu Sofola. The first of its kind in the US diaspora and a forerunner for more to come, an authentically African stage play, directed by New Nigeria Cinema & Nollywood’s Wale Ojo took place May/June 2013 in Atlanta. Thanks to Zulu Sofola Productions and Chi Ife Productions for making this possible.

Thanks to my friends at KokoAtDawn Productions who recorded these behind the scenes ‘mini doc’ clips of the journey of the production. Watch below.

Read the  post release of the play here

Video 1

psst psst – that’s the instrumental of my song ‘One Day’ playing in the background 🙂

Video 2

2014 Here we come!!

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing…

xoxo

Tosinger