AfroQueen of the LapSteel Guitar?

Lap Steel

Lap Steel

Lap Steel

Lap Steel

Lap Steel

Lap Steel

Lap Steel

Lap Steel Guitar

Lap steel guitar
The lap steel guitar is a type of steel guitar which is typically played with the instrument in a horizontal position on the performer’s lap or otherwise supported. The performer changes pitch by pressing a metal or glass bar against the strings as opposed to a traditional guitar where the performer’s fingertips press the strings against frets. The bar placed against the strings is called a “steel” or “tone bar”. – Wiki

My name is Tosinger. I am a Nigerian singer/songwriter based in Atlanta, Georgia.

I believe I will be the first Nigerian female artist to learn, write songs and perform with the Lap Steel Guitar otherwise known as the Hawaiian Guitar.  Please let me know of any contentions in the comment section. I am writing this post just to register it on the blogosphere,  internet and digital world.

I did not pick up this instrument to be a first of anything. I already could play some other instruments on the basic level including the talking drum, acoustic guitar and keyboard by ear. I picked it because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I have always love the sound of it in Nigerian Juju music as made popular by King Sunny Ade. Read more about it here as to how and who started playing it in Lagos, Nigeria. I felt one with it and at  home with it. It is said to be more challenging but I find it more comfortable for me, even more so than the acoustic. Before my legendary beloved musical Papa Majek Fashek passed, he made me promise him that I will pick up the guitar and focus on it as my main instrument. I will fulfill this promise in his memory.

Lap steel is widely used in American folk, country, western and blues music. Here is a list of only five female country music players, all white, that I could find on the web that play the lap steel.  I googled “female lap steel guitarists” and didn’t see a single black woman.  Googled some more and this article showed a more diverse list, albeit very inspiring pioneers, still no Black/African (See link -> https://sheshreds.com/issue-13-history-steel-guitar/#comment-48321) even no mention of those from the sacred steel music tradition.  I do not see them on the mainstream scene. There are many other types of guitars and numerous wonderful female players but not of the lap steel, which may be considered obsolete but not on my watch.

I pay homage to Sister Rosetta Tharpe  the Godmother of RocknRoll  considered the first  black female guitarist and Peggy Jones aka Lady Bo  the Queen Mother of Guitar, one of the first (perhaps the first) female rock guitarists in a highly visible rock band, Bo Diddley’s band (Wiki)

Big ups to Fatoumata Diawara on the electric and Helen Ibe also representing Africa nicely on her guitar with the younger afrobeats millenial generation.

I documented my growing journey via Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter with albeit amateur mobile videos, days 1-30. I am 43 as at 2020 when I focused on the lap steel.  I challenged to touch it for 30 days consecutively, even after 30 days, a day will  not go by (until the day that I leave this earth) that I will not touch the lap steel except for absolutely unavoidable reasons.

I hope to bless the world with new songs written on it and play and perform and warm hearts with it as long as I do music. So help me God.

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk 🙂 . Check out my home on the web at http://www.tosinger.com for more about me and my music.

Love, Peace and Beautiful Music,

Tosinger

MY FIRST LAP STEEL GUITAR

MY FIRST BABY, MY FIRST LAP STEEL GUITAR. I CHOSE THE COLOR RED  BECAUSE I WANTED TO FEEL EMPOWERED AS I LEARN IT.

Update

So I continue to dig deeper, haven’t found an African/Nigerian yet, but I found this African American sister, Nikki Brown, and I daresay there might be  more in the church that play the type of lap steel called “Sacred Steel” of the Sacred Steel tradition of COGIC.

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TOSINGER: The ‘Organically Singing’ AfroSoul and AfroFolk Queen of Dreams — afrocipha

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 […]

via TOSINGER: The ‘Organically Singing’ AfroSoul and AfroFolk Queen of Dreams — afrocipha

New Music Video Alert – African Nostalgia

Hello Tribe and Friends,

Hope this meets you well.

Here’s presenting the latest video to one of my favorite songs from my Organically Singing Debut Album – ‘African Nostalgia‘ . I have always had an affinity for anything nostalgic, classic or vintage.. I know there are many songs out there that talk about ‘Home’ from ‘homesick’ artists and musicians based in the diaspora, this proves that it’s a general feeling that is easily  relatable for those who live abroad and not just only them, but everyone in general, within or outside the continent, with memories of throwbacks. It is our job as music healers to make this feeling manageable (or incite-able) through our art. There have always been songs on this subject and there will always be in the future. As a diasporan artist,  I particularly have a strong default passion and deep emotion towards the concept of our “roots” and inclination towards “home longing songs”  and I have a lot of memories that guide me on this creative path, this is what also led to my songwriting and storytelling of the ‘African Nostalgia’ song. Click video below —:::

The African Nostalgia music visual is basically a musical imagery and storytelling of some experiences of my childhood and activities I observed growing up in my Grandma’s house in Abeokuta city, Ogun State, Nigeria ; from the sounds I heard, to the people I saw and my environment in general. You’ll have to listen to grasp it and maybe you can recognize a thing or two if you are from a similar background. This video was shot on a hot sunny day, while hiking miles up the Kennesaw mountain in Georgia. I wanted that picturesque green scenic scene that reminded me of the lushness of the African continent, I was not glamorously dressed or anything like that, typical of a music video; it was just simple, an everyday capture and I was comfy (apart from the bugs and sweat :)) ) within my environmental element.

I love Nature. I love Africa. I love Music. I love Art. I love Nature. Oh I think I said that already :). I am definitely a nature’s girl and I believe it’s a God given therapeutic environment which we should use more of, and also conserve and treat kindly.  You should try having nature walks when you are stressed. I (and Lloyd the videographer) were sweating like Christmas goats, climbing up the mountain, huffing and puffing, I had a couple of wardrobe malfunctions but we still tried to pull it off 😀 so just like the album title, this is as raw and organic as it comes 🙂 and I hope you enjoy it.

I want to particularly thank two musical powerhouses who collaborated with me on this song, who I’ve not met but we connected across borders to bring this to life. The talented Ivorien bassist Arnaud N’Gaza  based in Morroco and Daniel N’Guessan, percussionist/drummer also from Cote D’Ivoire. My gratitude goes to Zambian Photographer and budding Filmmaker, Lloyd Mackayi, who I met at TERRA COTTA ATL, who shot the video. Despite being independent and on a shoestring budget, I’ve been blessed to attract, albeit virtually, and connect with fellow talented and beautifully spirited, understanding creatives and  individuals who come across my creative path and space. For this I am grateful. And I hope to come across more in my lifetime.

I hope you appreciate and enjoy the video, or in one way or the other, in some way, relate to it. Please feel free to like, share and comment and subscribe to my new TosingerVEVO channel where I intend to release bit by bit, concept videos of my musical body of work.

Stay purposeful, healthy and relevant.

Love, Peace and Beautiful Music,

Organically Yours, Tosinger

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Nigeria at 55!

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

Organically Singing the Album — Now Out here!

Artist Spotlight – Seyi Voice (@VoiceSeyi) New Music Release

Seyi Voice, a Nigerian Gospel Music Artist releases two new singles today titled ‘Champion’ and ‘He’s Able‘ in anticipation of his upcoming album ‘Sound Of Victory’. Produced by ‘Dr Groove’ and recorded at G-Zone Studios,  ‘Champion’ has an African highlife swing to it, a danceable rhythm with inspirational lyrics for everyone from all walks of life, to let them know that they can make it and to be assured that God is not a respecter of persons; “if you  believe that you are a champion (in Christ), you are on your journey to success”

Listen and download here

 

About Seyi Voice

Seyi Voice is a dynamic worshiper, music director, singer/songwriter and a music producer. All his life he has been all about good music. He owns God’s Zone recording studio. Presently, he runs an outreach program called “Unusual Worship” which comprises of a collective of powerful anointed song ministers . His upcoming album is titled Sound of Victory due to be released at a date yet to be announced. He travels nationwide to  minister in churches and events.

Seyi Voice says:

“Having gone through a lot and seen a lot, I discovered that pain is inevitable when birth is about to take place in one’s life. God’s people, I want you to know that in every situation, God shall always remain God”

Connect with him on Facebook

Follow him on Twitter at @voiceseyi

Beautifully Dreaming..Positively Doing

Tosinger

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

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

Artist Spotlight: @KomiOlaf – ‘Art is Life’

Ontario, Canada based multi-talented artist of Nigerian heritage,  Komi Olafimihan’s  unique conceptual work is beyond the ordinary. His work speaks of very detailed stories as he incorporates his architectural knowledge, artistic flair and mental depth  to create masterpieces that are an expression of his ingenious mind, the astute creative that he is.

He says “Art is Life”…

About Komi Olaf – Artist – Poet – Architect

Komi Olaf is a visual artist and poet currently living in Toronto. As a master’s graduate of Carleton University’s School of Architecture, his training as an architect directly influences his draftsmanship and manipulation of light and space. His work is based primarily in acrylic and explores the dialogue created through the juxtaposition of images concepts and identities.

His works have been featured in shows at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and the National Arts Center in Ottawa. He has also received several awards pertaining to his works including the Empowerment and Success Award presented by the then Governor General of Canada Michaelle Jean in 2010 and the Student Award for excellence presented by the Canadian Architect Magazine in 2009.

Komi is a strong believer in the synonyms that exists between images, philosophies and concepts.

Artist Statement

My work is an extension of who I am. A direct representation of my character and experiences. While I was completing a Masters in Architecture, I developed a passion for both painting and poetry and I have been on a mission to fuse these three elements ever since.

Drawing from the various skills and techniques I have been acquiring over the years, I strive to create unique, inspirational and original work that captures the history of African people and the mind-set of the younger generation. As a Canadian immigrant and a Nigerian in Diaspora, I tend to focus my art on the juxtaposition of unrelated images to produce new meaning. My personal experiences such as the religious conflicts plaguing Nigeria have also had an impact on the work I create.

Ultimately, I would love my work to offer insight into the thoughts of the new generation of artists emerging out of the Diaspora. I want to tell a different story with my work, one that captures the complexities of my African and Canadian heritage as well as sparks the conversations that can inspire change and build a bridge of unity.

Some of his works that caught my eye 

From the Afro Collection

Afromobile – Komi Olaf

‘Speak it into existence’ – Komi Olaf

Touch Music Emcee E Art by Komi Olaf

Cross Section Of the AFROpuf – Komi Olaf

Self Portrait – Komi Olaf

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From the “Angels of Music” Collection – The Queens by Komi Olaf

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And I remember this one of ‘Kermit the Frog’ going viral on instagram, turned into several memes by internet users, such a great discovery to know  who the original artist is.

Sesame Street collection. Igwe by Komi Olaf

Komi Olaf. Spoken Word – Love

For more info and to stay updated on Komi Olaf’s projects –

• www.komiolaf.com

  http://instagram.com/komiolaf

  Twitter @komiolaf

  Facebook – Komi Olaf

  Email – komi.olaf@gmail.com

  Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing…

  Tosinger

@SIJIMUSIC on @ESSENCEMAG’s New & Next

New & Next: Meet Nigerian Soul Singer, Siji (3:15) The British-born singer describes his music as “Yoruba soul,” a fusion of all his musical influences and life experiences in England, Nigeria and New York. Watch him perform the title track from his latest EP, “Children of the Sun.”

I had previously spotlighted Siji when he released his single ‘Lagos Lullabye’  –  see here  and it’s a delight to see him get some mainstream press attention with the release of his latest single ‘Children of the sun’

Watch the video below of the Essence ‘New & Next’ interview and the unplugged performance with @jahstix on the acoustic guitar.

Siji on Essence New & Next

Click the image below to access the EP.

Connect and get updates on his music at SIJIMUSIC.COM

Beautifully Dreaming..Positively Doing…

x

Tosinger

Adepero Oduye’s Inspiring Interview on @indigotongues

With a dazzler of a smile and a warm personality that radiates on screen and in her pictures and the fact that she is so talented, Adepero Oduye is an actress to be reckoned with. I’d followed her work and journey since I saw her extremely impressive acting in the Pariah movie.

Adepero was featured on Indigo Tongues Women in Media Segment, Series 1 Episode 5. Produced by Iyalode Productions, Indigo Tongues is an exciting new interview series with trailblazers of Africa and the diaspora.

Adepero Oduye, who recently played the riveting role of Eliza, along side Chiwetel Ejifor, Brad Pitt and Lupita Nyong’o in the Oscar winning film 12 Years a Slave met up with Indigo Tongues for an exhilarating interview.

About Adepero Oduye — Adepero Oduye is a Nigerian American Actress. She is the one of seven children born to Nigerian parents. A graduate of Cornell University,  Adepero began appearing in short films such as Water and Fall, and in 2006 appeared in the independent drama Half Nelson. After several roles in off-Broadway production, in 2009, she debuted on Broadway in the musical Fela!. In 2011 she starred in the critically acclaimed independent film Pariah. She has received several awards, including a nomination for Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead. Oduye cast in the upcoming Steel Magnolias remake with the same title as Annelle Dupuy-Desoto, a role that had been originated by Daryl Hannah.In 2013, Oduye appeared in Ava DuVernay‘s short film The Door part of Miu Miu‘s ad campaign known as The Women’s Tales.She also starred alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor in the film 12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen. Culled – Wiki

Adepero Oduye is one of the outstanding breakthrough actresses of the last decade. Her career includes an outstanding body of work in Film, Stage and TV. Her stellar debut lead role as Alike in Pariah, earned her several awards and nominations including The African-American Film Critics Association Award for Best Breakthrough Performance and the NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (nominated). Her role in 12 Years a Slave earned her a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. She made her Broadway debut in A Trip to Bountiful, a production that has won several theater awards including a Tony Award for Best Actress by Cicely Tyson. Adepero, the third of seven children is a graduate from Cornell University and lives in New York City. – Indigo Tongues

Mojisola Sonoiki of Iyalode Productions had this to say about the interview..

“I was thinking of who the subject for my next interview would be and one day on the platform of the A train at Jay Street in Brooklyn, I saw Adepero walk right by me (one of the beauties of NYC living….bumped into Dr Oz my first week in the city.) I had seen Pariah and I knew she would be a perfect guest on the series. Once again “the planets aligned” as they have since I started producing this series and it happened. A young Nigerian friend of mine was attending the Ake Festival in Abeokuta, Nigeria and told me that Adepero would be attending. I asked her to make a connection on my behalf and before I knew it, I was speaking to Adepero via email and coordinating an Indigo Tongues interview.

One can only but admire this young lady. Her tenacity, grace, contagious smile and the stream of good vibrations just seemed to radiate effortlessly from her. She is had a depth to her that was refreshing and heartfelt at the same time. Adepero has been involved in projects that many actors/actresses would only dream of and still remains pleasant, humble and respectful. We talked about many things, she shared stories about working in an industry that still grapples with Women and in particular women that look like her.

A very down to earth and pleasant conversationalist, we sat down to some Nigeria food – Jollof rice (Cy’s super recipe) and Dodo (her favorite) got down to the nitty gritty and had so many moments of belly laughs.”

Enjoy, share and leave a comment. To watch other Indigo Tongues interview series, click here to subscribe to the YouTube channel

Interview Date: February 9th 2014
Location: Brooklyn, New York

Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing..

xoxo

Tosinger