PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release From America to Africa, warm welcoming melodies ring true in a new 3-track EP released by Atlanta based Afrofolk/Afrosoul Nigerian Singer-Songwriter, TOSINGER. The new EP titled ‘Ode to Accra’ was birthed and recorded in Accra during a 3 day sojourn. It was inspired by the vibe and love for the city and her people.
The intro on the EP pays homage to Mama Africa, the Motherland, reflecting the sounds of Accra, rightly tagged “City Vibrations”. Track 2 – “Find Your Way Back Home ft Bubunaé” is a folksy acoustic number, a gentle plea to all to connect back “home” and on Track 3 “Se Daadaa Le Wa?” produced by Kunle Kuti which he laced with highlife guitar riffs, Tosinger’s vocals pierces through diasporic time and space as she checks on her audience in her native tongue of Yoruba .. singing “Se Daadaa Le Wa?” which means “Are you doing alright?”.
Ghanaian music artist, Bubunaé who co-wrote and featured on vocals on Track 2 also executively produced the project with Decorusbeats as the music producer. ‘Ode to Accra’ was officially released on June 21st, 2021 and is currently available on all digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Bandcamp, Amazon, Tidal etc.
ABOUT TOSINGER Atlanta based Afrosoul/Afrofolk Indie Singer-Songwriter TOSINGER, has been singing for more than two decades in Nigeria, the UK and now in the US. With a couple of published works to her name, her music displays a heartfelt conveyance of originality and inspirational lyrics. Tosinger expresses an afrocentric sublime musical flow that is soulful and folksy, sometimes jazzy, with subliminal messages incorporating her Yoruba language and cultural sounds which sits her comfortably in the world music space. An eclectic artist in her own right, Tosinger is also an actress and an event curator. For more info, please visit http://www.tosinger.com Twitter and Instagram @Tosinger
Curiosity is good, disappointment is also real .. .but the cat will still survive, it won’t die.. so the question will be answered LOL 😀
So what is Yonke Therapy? Yes, that’s the question. Well ‘Yonke’ is just a syllabic exclamatory descriptive word purportedly uttered by the tortoise to describe a type of dance or the effect of the dance. The yoruba folklore goes that he danced at a party yesterday and danced too hard his body ached, however, his parents must not hear about it because if they do, he will be scolded. Well, ‘dancing is good, and music is therapy’, combine the two, you get “Yonke Therapy“
a folklore (see ‘tales with tosinger’, the tortoise aka ‘ijapa’ is always mostly the subject of yoruba folklore).
Anyway, I know it’s been a minute on this blog, but the time away in comparison doesn’t beat the release of ‘Yonke Therapy’ which has been two years coming; thanks to a quick email history search that made me realize this. KiMa Music label is spearheaded by Italian DJ & Music Producer Kilian Taras, who specializes in EDM & House Music, he reached out to me that he’d love to have my vocals on a track. And here’s Yonke Therapy for you to burn calories, bounce your soul to or just generally get your dance on :). And No, we’ve not met in person, thanks to virtual technological communications, we still made musical magic happen and this afrowoman cover graphic is the most befitting of their afrohouse/tribalhouse track muse, won’t you agree? 🙂 🙂
Yonke Therapy is available on the platforms below and more, and radio edits also available for radio play. Thank you my Italian friends and fans for digging my vibe:), thank you Mr Italian DJS for playing our song and thank you Americans, Africans, British, Asians all around the world who are and will also. 🙂 Ese o!
★OUT NOW★
Kilian Taras feat. TOSINGER “Yonke Therapy”
Remix by Ellis Colin, Rhythm Staircase and Diego Antoine Concha
Available on: ►iTunes
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.
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
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
She is the definition of true beauty, deep in thought and delivery. All you need is an opportunity to engage her. She’s got the warmest, sweetest personality that rejuvenates your belief in humanity once more.
This lady relates her own way and we make bold to say “it’s the ideal way for humans to engage one another”.
Ladies and gentlemen, please meet the eclectic woman of art, musician, writer and storyteller, TOSINGER!
funTAQA caught up with her when she visited Nigeria recently and she’s got quite some gist for her fans.
Excerpts below:
How long have you been into the music business?
Professionally? Since 2003, so about 13 years now. Before then, as a little girl growing up, I’ve always sang in church and any platform of opportunity I find to use my voice.
What are you listening to lately?
Depends on my mood per time, but currently it’s a…
Across the globe, women remain underrepresented in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This is especially true in many African countries including Nigeria. In June 2014, three young women came together with a vision; a vision of a world where the number of women in the Science and Technology industry would rise and women would feel welcomed, accomplished and appreciated for their efforts and achievements. They realised that the best way to do this was by encouraging more young girls to take up STEM at secondary school and university levels and stick with it even after learning. As a result, Afro-Tech Girls was born.
Afro-Tech Girls is an NGO set up by three female engineers to promote STEM enthusiasm in young African girls through creativity, art and innovation.
At Afro-Tech Girls, they are really passionate about encouraging more girls to embrace the STEM industries and are making it a point to do this in fun and innovative ways. Watch the founders speak in the video below:
Mission – to encourage, educate and empower African girls of secondary and university levels in the STEM fields to follow through and acheive whatever goals they set for themselves through mentorship, teamwork, creativity and innovation.
Heartwarming greetings from my African sunkissed heart to yours 🙂 and a Happy new month of August to you!
I just arrived from my home country of Nigeria the past month of July, promoting my debut album“Organically Singing” and garnering some press/media presence and on ground performances. Follow me at @Tosinger on instagram to have a sneak peak of that journey, see a few pics below. Thank God for His mercies, grace and favor and thank you Lagos for your hospitality.
Singing at Jazzhole, Lagos
Interview with Tosyn Bucknor of Top Radio 90.9 FM
Performing at Freedom Park, Lagos with Seun Olota
Interview with Harry Itie for TVC Channel “On The Town”
After radio interview with Olabisi Omidire of EkoFm
RhythmFM 93.7 interview on Celebrity Live Wednesday
With Etuk Ubong and the band at Jazzhole
I am also delighted to present to you a creative product of my visit to Nigeria which is officially released digitally today. I worked with the multitalented Producer/Musician – FloRocka– on my latest project, an audio drama/spoken word titled ‘Silent Thoughts’.
Meeting the talented Florocka 6 years after. Prior to this, 6 years ago, I did digital artist promotions and social media marketing for his very first project – The OverFlo
With Flo and Rapper DMSquared
‘Silent Thoughts‘ is an Audio Drama/Spoken Word/Storytelling Project with an afro-theatrical edge addressing the issues of our times. As a spoken form of art on a musical backdrop, ‘Silent Thoughts’ intends to provoke and inspire thought towards change. Things have been quiet lately about the Chibok Girls. Whatever happened to #BringBackOurGirls? What is currently happening?
Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falzis a Nigerian rapper and funny guy. Falz describes his style of music as “Wahzup music” a fusion of comic lyrics with the contemporary hip-hop in a faux lispy Yoruba accent. Falz, a lawyer by education, called to the bar in 2012 after graduating from the Nigeria Law School, Abuja is the son of popular Nigerian human activist and lawyerFemi Falana.
Falz aka Falz the bahd guy. He currently owns an independent record label called Bahd Guys Records
Falz just released the official video for his hit song ‘Soldier’ featuring sweet singerSimi , one of Nigeria’s fast rising female artistes with a sonorous, smooth and soulful voice. The song ‘Soldier’ off his Stories That Touch album released late 2015 is a musical narrative of an army official trying to win the heart of a beautiful village sweetheart. The visuals for ‘Soldier’ is in form of a short film and it stars Falz, Simi, Actor Deyemi Okanlawon, Oluwasesan Salami, Efa Iwara and Morenike Alausa and was directed by Clarence A. Peters.
‘Soldier’ is a short musical film, shot By Clarence Peters, and taken from ‘Stories That Touch’ – the second studio album by Falz TheBahdGuy. Written by Clarence Peters and Chioma Onyenwe, scored by Oluwasesan Salami, with music by Oscar Ackah.
Watch the well produced video below:
Here is another collaboration by both artistes that is very enjoyable. A previously released song by Simi “Jamb Question”. The two surely have some good musical chemistry going on.
Loving the social campaign integrated as a marketing effort by the fashion retail site ‘The Limited’ tagged ‘The New Look of Leadership’. Brands are now developing ways to connect on the “real human” level with potential consumers/clients. Thanks to the new media age for making this easier and more effective.
TheLimited.com put together a selection of women from different fields, expressing a message of the perception of what #LeadingLooksLike :
Limited.com says:
Leading is a way of approaching life–and in today’s world, there are infinite shapes it can take. It’s time the definition fit them all. So we’re calling on leaders of all types to help build a vibrant community of inspirational women. Together, we will re-create the picture of empowerment to reflect the authentic, modern leaders we see every day—answering the question, “What does leading look like?” with you. And her. And us.THE POSSIBILITIES ARE UNLIMITED.
The Limited is on a mission to redefine leadership. So we’re creating a community of leaders – celebrating real and inspiring women who lead every day, in every way. Want to be part of it? Go online and tell them about the ways you lead in your life for a chance to be featured in their upcoming campaign.
Click Play: : Watch the Video
In other news, my social media feed has recently been saturated with lovely & delectable designs from the just concluded Lagos Fashion & Design Week which took place towards the end of October, 2015. LFDW is a premiere fashion event which brings together media, industry, buyers and consumers to view the current collections of designers in Nigeria, West Africa.
The platform aims to cut across geographic and culture barriers and position itself as a business of fashion and design event targeted at showcasing the best of the fashion and design industry, drive the Nigerian fashion industry and ultimately uplift its profile within the economy. Lagos will play host to the fashion and exhibition led event that will feature: Runway shows featuring new season collections from the best talents in the fashion industry; exhibitions featuring fashion products and accessories, textiles, design elements, photography and art installations workshops and master classes that will facilitate knowledge transfer, information exchange and networking opportunities across board. Another attraction is Lagos itself – a metropolitan island that features an interesting mix of people, cultures and is fast becoming the melting pot for business in Africa. Participants, designers and visitors alike can expect a diversified and interactive platform to maximize their exposure within and beyond their industry circle and open gateways for more business opportunities.
For the past 5 years, LFDW has remained dedicated to the growth and promotion of creatives in the industry by nurturing, fine tuning, rewarding their skills and providing them with a solid platform for achieving their goals.
This vision is primarily centered on providing on-going support to designers via mentor ship, education and capacity building as well as opportunities to present their work before an audience that facilitates commerce.
And as is my custom with fashion weeks, here’s my 7 favorite designer selections from the showcases at the Heineken LFDW2015. All photos are via LFDW (Follow at @LFDW_NG) Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
NKWO
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
The use of a denim pant as gele is such an eclectic idea. I love the unusual and this is such a welcoming one, something I would do. Brilliant!
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
LANRE DA SILVA AJAYI
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
The headpiece, the flow of the fabric!
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
MAI ATAFO
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
The mustard color, the styling..
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
The work of an artist friend Laolu Senbanjo was incorporated in this fabric design. Kudos!
SUNNY ROSE
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
The simplicity, the flow, the vibrancy, the fabric texture combos.
REVAMP O
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna)
The bohemian look :), the vintage feel, the nudes..
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna)
ONALAJA
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
The girliness, the playfulness, the cuteness..
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
Last, but not least
ORENTE AYABA
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
The Art, the artsy backdrop..this is not just fashion, this is art on canvas.. very eclectic!
Photo Credits: Kola Oshalusi (Insigna).
These are my personal preferences and in no way serve as an endorsement out of the about 25 designers who showcased at the event, check out the other designers to see their work.
Beautifully Dreaming…Positively Doing!
Tosinger
Organically Singing the album, now available for download here!
Today marks 55 years of when Nigeria broke free from colonial rule. We may not be there yet but we are on our way. Even Google cannot resist celebrating Africa’s most populous nation and has this to say:
Via Google —A country of enormous diversity where over 500 languages are spoken, Nigeria is home to Africa’s largest population and a dizzying array of ancient cultural traditions. Drawing inspiration from the Nigerian coat of arms, today’s Doodle features the mighty Niger and Benue rivers that wind across the country’s fertile plains before merging and flowing into the Atlantic. Symbolic of resoluteness and strength, an eagle cuts across a vast Nigerian sky at the center of today’s logo, which Doodler Robinson Wood has washed in the colors of the Nigerian flag.
@googleafrica, tweeted: “Here’s wishing Africa’s most populous nation a happy 55th Independence day. Keep soaring Nigeria!
Further celebrating the giant of Africa, Google Africa Team, changed the header photo on its Twitter handle to showcase Nigeria’s Africanness with six young women adorned in colourful Nigerian traditional headgear ‘gele.’
And here is my rendition of loyalty to my home country, Nigeria’s National Anthem as performed on Periscope
As a diasporan, I echo the words of Yetunde Shorters, the Afropolitan Chef:
“Happy Nigerian Independence. 55 years ago Nigeria got her liberation from the British Empire. I commend our journey, let’s remember that we still have a long way to go. Take pride in our culture as we evolve to a new generation. As a second generation Nigerian American, my perspective is influenced by nations, our collective history: including, Nigerian slaves brought to the world, their successes and challenges and my experience. This much I know, whether I like it or not, every time I step out of my personal space, I am clear that I represent a people and I hold that representation to high esteem. I look forward to doing my part to inspire and empower my people Nigerian and American. Let’s remember that freedom has to be taken. It is never given. Cheers”
Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing….
TOSINGER'S BLOG 