My music is inspirational. Genre wise, my style is African, roots, ethnic, folksy and soulful with a contemporary edge. I incorporate my native Yoruba language in my songs. I am from Ogun State Nigeria, West Africa, currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. … Tosinger Oluwatosin [in her native Yoruba language Tosin means God is worthy to […]
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.
OgasilachiLaolu
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.
AdukeNa!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.
TosingerAyo 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.
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.
SXSW Interactive: March 13–17 • Film: March 13–21 • Music: March 17–22
South by Southwest (SXSW) Music and Media Conference, the world’s leading music industry event, offers attendees the opportunity to explore the future of the music industry during the day at panels, talks, the Trade Show, Music Gear Expo and other conference activities at the Austin Convention Center. At night, the absolute best mix of musical performances from over 2,200 regional, national and international acts take place at the SXSW Music Festival. Altogether, SXSW presents unmatched networking opportunities, career-building conference programming and over 100 stages of music for showcasing bands and conference attendees. SXSW Music is now in its 29th year.
Here’s spotlighting a few of the African artists performing this year
Rocky Dawuni
Afro-Roots Star Rocky Dawuni Performing at SXSW!!
Cumbancha artist Rocky Dawuni, whose upcoming album Branches of the Same Tree releases worldwide on March 31st, is bringing his unique “Afro-Roots” sound to Austin at the following South By Southwest events:
Rocky Dawuni is an international music star and humanitarian activist who transcends the musical boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. to create an irresistible sound. His music unites generations and cultures with infectious grooves and uplifting messages. You may have already heard the album’s first single “African Thriller” and seen its electrifying music video. If not, watch the video here.
Filled with uplifting and irresistible songs, Rocky’s sixth album, and first on Cumbancha, blends inspirations from his diverse experiences while expanding on his identity as an artist, a proud son of Africa and as a true world citizen.
Laolu is about to head from New York City with his band, the Afromysterics to Austin, TX to South by Southwest, alongside fellow Afro Artists Ayo and Rafiya. Only a year old, this is the band’s first SXSW performance.
Laolu will be performing at Speakeasy Kabaret (412 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701) at 10:30 pm Thursday March 19, 2015. The showcase is presented by Digiwaxx and powered by OkayAfrica.Laolu & the Afromysterics / SXSW DATES
03/19 – Austin, TX @ Speakeasy Kabaret
xxx
Laolu & the Afromysterics is the brain child of Laolu Senbanjo, a self-taught musician, visual artist and a human rights lawyer. He’s the lead singer, composer, and the acoustic guitarist. Born and raised in Nigeria to Yoruba parents, he left his legal career behind to chase his dream of being a musician and artist full time in New York City. His band, the Afromysterics are made up of an eclectic group of musical geniuses from all over the globe. With influences from the likes of Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Sade, the music definitely has its roots in the typical Yoruba traditions, yet Laolu blends in reggae, afrosoul, and hip hop into the songs. You have to witness this band live to feel the African groove for yourself.
Contact informationPlease get in touch with Kate at afromysterics@gmail.com or 646.239.6170 for guest list or interviews
Photos (l-r): Nyla, Ice Prince, Victoria Kimani All photos courtesy of the artists via sxsw
Sounds from Africa and Sounds from the Caribbean will take over Palm Door on Sixth (508 E. 6th Street) for a crazy double-stage show at the 2015 SXSW Music Festival on Friday, March 20.With Afrobeat rapidly crossing over to U.S. audiences, a lot of attention is being paid to Africa’s vast and diverse cultures. As part of that, SXSW will be hosting the continent’s biggest artists at the first Sounds from Africa showcase, a cultural celebration of African music presented by Rickie Davies PR, Winnie K Management and Coyah Production. The lineup includes D’banj, Wiz Kid, Ice Prince, Samini, Sarkodie, Serge Beynaud, Victoria Kimani and R2Bees. Sounds from Africa will take place at the Palm Door on Sixth indoor stage.Meanwhile, SXSW music fans will also enjoy a one night explosion of the unique, diverse sounds from the Caribbean at the Palm Door on Sixth Patio. From Soca to Dancehall, Sounds from the Caribbean will celebrate music, culture and lifestyle enabling the audience to experience fun and energetic performances from such A-list artists as Morgan Heritage, Gyptian, Machel Montano, Laza Morgan and Nyla.Wishing all the artists all the best. For a full list of all the world music artists featuring – click here
Another upcoming event to note, coming up in New York. Click graphic below for more info
I initially came across and fell in love with these cute and warm African children cartoon characters about 3 or 4 years ago. I call them my little friends 🙂 – They are Bino and Fino. Bino and Fino is a cartoon series about a brother and sister who live with their grandparents ‘Mama’ and ‘Papa’ in a modern day city in Africa. In each episode of DVD 1, Bino and Fino, with the help of their friend Zeena the Magic Butterfly and their family, discover and learn things about the world.
It was a fresh welcome to childrens’ entertainment & media (and thankfully also culturally educative and informative) for everyone, both at home on the continent and especially in the diaspora for parents who want their children to be culturally aware and knowledgeable about their roots – Africa . I didn’t hesitate to get my sons the first DVD copy when it was we released. We just had to, hitting replay multiple times on the youtube video clips that were made available online wasn’t cutting it. It was that goooood!! 🙂
Here’s one
Directed By Adamu Waziri – Bino and Fino was created in answer to an industry demand for more ethnically diverse children’s entertainment. Especially for viewers from a Black African heritage globally, whether residing on the African continent or in Diaspora.
Adamu Waziri
Importantly, it is an inclusive series for all children of Kindergarten and preschool age from around the world, from Africa, Latin America through to Europe, Asia and America. It is fun and educational. Bino and Fino will help to teach children about counting, colours, animals and will also help teach children major African languages.
And now to the great news! FINALLY! The Bino and Fino trailer for DVD 2 is coming out. New episodes of the cartoon will include aspects of African history – African culture – science – Math – Technology – African Geography – Nature – and more. Sign up on the Bino and Fino email list to find out when you can get your hands on the new DVD.
Yetunde Taiwo is the Afropolitan Chef , the spunky and talented beautiful Fashion and Entertainment Entrepreneur, born in Chicago, raised in Nigeria. Her influence is West African, but her perspective is global. A self acclaimed Foodie, she is passionate about merging modern African cuisine with other cultures.
Meals inspired by Africa, but infused with ingredients, techniques and flavors from around the world…
The Afropolitan Way!
Yetunde currently needs your support to publish The Afropolitan Chef’s cookbook which is all about – “Traditional African ways of cooking and eating and their meanings, plate presentations and decorations, rich but health conscious foods”, she says:
Hello, to every foodie out there who regularly pushes the boundaries of their food comfort zone. My name is Yetunde Taiwo and I love life and have a deep and passionate love affair with food, especially African food. So I’m creating the Afropolitan Chef Cookbook to share the techniques, flavors and spices of the world inspired by Africa. The concept is to share with you the eating habits of the modern day Cosmopolitan African. I have been cooking since I was 6 years old and my mother is my greatest influence in the kitchen. Afropolitan Chef dishes are tasty, save time and are visually enticing. I am calling your attention today because I need your support in making this delicious dream come true. To teach you how to cook easily and quickly, African inspired meals. African Fusion. A cosmopolitan African perspective.
You will learn and discover 3 main things in this book:
How to cook healthy delicious African inspired meals
How to save time in the kitchen and still eat 5 star style in your own home
How to present the food so that you enjoy the food experience from hunger to the last bite.
Afropolitan Chef Cookbook- African Inspired Meals About the Book The Afropolitan Chef cookbook will have over 60 savory recipes in time for Thanksgiving 2014. The recipes are a fusion of meals I have learned over the years, influenced by West Africa, and includes something not usually shared in African fusion meals: A Calorie Count. Yes, delicious, exotic and still healthy! I have also done my best to include ingredients that you can get at any local grocery store. I have already written most of the recipes and shot the photos to go in the cookbook. In order to have foodies flipping through the pictures, salivating and yearning to satisfy their pallets in time for Thanksgiving; I need to raise $7,500 before summer’s end – Yetunde Taiwo, Afropolitan Chef
Connect with the Afropolitan Chef and support the campaign at http://bit.ly/AChefgogo And remember 10% of all your donations go to the World Food Programme and No Kid Hungry to feed those in need.
Use the Indiegogo share tool and tell your family and friends about this campaign
ASIRI Magazine and MeetOrbit.com present the “Know Your Roots” initiative, a collection of cultural and historical stories about Nigeria’s fascinating past.
ASIRI – a Nigeria Cultural/Historical Art Brand announced the launch of the “Know Your Roots” initiative today. The “Know Your Roots” initiative is a collection of stories narrated by Bassey Ikpi, acclaimed international poet and writer. The narrations by Bassey promote the rich historical culture and values of the Nigerian people. These stories will feature events, personalities, places, and myths about Nigeria’s rich history. MeetOrbit.com will provide a live video stream for this event. You can also follow the event on Twitter and Instagram with #KnowYourRoots.
Bassey Ikpi
“The Know Your Roots initiative aims to inform and educate people of the cultural history, values, and legendary tales of great men and women who went through extraordinary lengths from the continent of Africa (Nigeria),” says Damola Ogundele, the Founder of ASIRI.
ASIRI Nigeria Cultural/Historical Art Brand brand comprises of an Online Magazine, Exhibitions, and Documentary/Short Films aimed at informing and educating people about the culture, heritage, myths, and the way of life of the great Nigerian people. Visit the website at http://www.asirimagazine.com for more information. Follow Asiri on Twitter at @AsiriMagazine, on Facebook and also on Instagram.
“People from all over the world can be part of this experience in real time using MeetOrbit.com’s unique video streaming platform,” says Adekunle Ayodele, Founder of MeetOrbit.com.
DataBox Technologies, LLC, creators of MeetOrbit.com, is a private information technology firm specializing in digital platforms and information technology services. The company strives to reinvent information technology solutions that help people and businesses leverage their collective greatness, and further their contributions to the progress of human lives. Learn more at DataBoxTech.com. Follow DataBox on Twitter at @databoxtech.
The series starts with Queen Mother Idia, the Hidden Oba of Benin Kingdom. MeetOrbit.com will host the live video stream on June 21st, at 4.00 PM Eastern Time. To be part of this event, please visit www.meetorbit.com/live.
For more information on MeetOrbit, go to MeetOrbit.com or follow MeetOrbit on Facebook (Facebook.com/MeetOrbit) and Twitter (@MeetOrbit).
My idea behind AfroDreamFest was inspired by the passion to promote and give a platform to the new wave of indie African/AfroConscious/Afropolitan artists in the diaspora who do a variation of genres of Soul – Jazz – Roots – Folk – World – Afrobeat – Acoustic music laced with African elements, merging genres of music creatively and beautifully with Afro~cultural influences,musically and lyrically on a contemporary platform.
Afrodreamfest is an event that celebrates and promotes Neo Afro-fusion genres of music from the African continent and in the diaspora.
These are true Artists of African origin around the world who are this generation’s throwback to past eras of real meaningful music, keeping alive and making soulful music that is so uniquely creative and relevant across borders, infusing language and cultural aspects that reach for the soul and spirit.
Art by Nequa Gay specifically for Afrodreamfest
The vision is to tour the concert across different cities annually around May 25, the commemoration of African Liberation Day. It is currently independently produced and is open to partnerships and sponsorships to further expand the concept and its reach. The response to the movement has been positive and encouraging so far. Indie Afro artists need the on-ground presence to share their talents, and promote culture. I am one of them so I feel the need to step out as a visionary and make it happen.
The first edition of Afrodreamfest took place at the Southwest Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
During my stint with Fuxion TV as a Children’s Program Presenter, I enjoyed telling African folk tales on ‘Kiddies Tales Time’, an educative and entertaining children’s program which showcases the art of storytelling, with moral-teaching folktales and songs from the African continent. Having a grandmother who was an Educator, Late Mrs Georgietta Abeke Adesina (Mama Headmistress, Abeokuta) who told me stories as a little girl and coincidentally (or not) a mom who was also a children’s show presenter (Kiddies Forum) and later a newscaster, during her broadcasting days at NTA Abeokuta , the importance of the connection of media and culture, in recording our stories for the next generation to be enlightened/educated, is very real and meaningful to me. That is why I connect to the mission of this project.
My mom, Doyin, on Kiddies Forum NTA Abeokuta circa 80s
And if you are a Generation X Nigerian as I am, you will also remember the popular Children’s show Tales by Moonlight on NTA
Introducing AfricanStory.TV: For centuries, oral storytelling has been the format used by many cultures in passing along important historical facts and information down for other generations. Visioneer/Content Producer Daty Kaba says
“this exciting project, AfricanStory.TV was manifested when Priya (my daughter) asked me to tell her African stories from my childhood. It dawned on me that I had sporadic memories or had completely forgotten those stories. I did research and found that most people have forgotten those folklores from childhood as well.
For centuries, oral storytelling has been the format used by many cultures in passing along important historical facts and information down for other generations. African Story TV (ASTV) will follow that tradition with current technology. ASTV is an online webtv ” portal” broadcasting short African stories told by everyday Africans, African Americans and Caribbeans. Storytellers will be filmed on video and it will be featured on the online webtv. ASTV will serve as a online village where global citizens can enjoy stories from Africa, US and the Caribbean. A cultural heritage site that will help preserve oral story tradition that has existed for centuries in Africa. African Story TV is also an educational hub for students and future generations to experience African Stories and the significance of oral storytelling.
Enjoy some of the videos here And if you have any to submit, you can click here to do so
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.
TOSINGER'S BLOG 