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

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New Music – Heaven Knows by ✿ TOSINGER ✿ ft Mr Brown

Hello again and welcome to 2017!

I wish you a year more fulfilling and in every way better than 2016. Stay focused, stay vigilant, stay positive.

Here’s a musical offering from me to you to set you on the right inspirational note for the year. It’s titled “Heaven Knows” , chorus inspired by Osibisa’s “We are going” 1971 track. I heard the voice of Mr Brown, the male vocals you will hear on the song as a feature on Casey Ed’s song “Hear Me Now”, both of these talented young men are doing great things musically in Nigeria.

As soon as I heard Brown’s voice, I knew I had to get him on a track. We were able to work it out virtually within a few days despite a few challenges. So here I leave with you “Heaven Knows”, keep pushing, keep working hard, keep praying, God’s got your back, Heaven knows you will get there.

Stay blessed in 2017 and beyond! Download here and please do share. Merci Beaucoup!

 Stream on SoundCloud

 

For Media and Press

Media Alert

 New Music Release – Heaven Knows by ✿ TOSINGER ✿ ft Mr Brown

Atlanta based Singer/Songwriter & the Queen of afrosoulful nostalgia, Tosinger releases “Heaven Knows” ft the very soulful voice of Nigerian Producer/Singer/Songwriter ~ Mr Brown. A new song to usher in the new year for the goal setters, the dreamers and the world changers, ‘Heaven Knows’ is a song of faith and destiny. It features a sampled chorus of Ghana’s Osibisa’s Woyaa yaa (We are going) released in 1971. Tosinger is known for her inclination for afro~folklore and classics while incorporating lyrics with Yoruba proverbs and sayings on a contemporary musical platform. The song aims to set the tone right for 2017 on a positive, inspirational note, that all things are possible and freedom (in all sense of the word) is inevitable at the end, only if you believe. Connect with @Tosinger on all social media (Instagram, Twitter) and www.tosinger.com. Mr Brown can be found at @BrownSoul1 On Instagram Download mp3 here

 Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing..

Tosinger

TOSINGER ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF HER DEBUT STUDIO ALBUM ‘ORGANICALLY SINGING’

Mi2N.com – TOSINGER ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF HER DEBUT STUDIO ALBUM ‘ORGANICALLY SINGING’.

Following the release of an EP of 6 tracks titled ‘FINALLY’ in 2012 and the AfroSpire Demo in 2013; Tosinger, Atlanta based, Nigerian AfroSoulFolk Inspirational Singer-Songwriter known for her unique afro eclectic brand image and sublime soulful voice, is set to officially launch her debut album ‘Organically Singing’ on July 27, 2015. Two years in the making and highly anticipated by fans, it will be available to the public on all major digital outlets and physical copies can be purchased at http://www.tosinger.com beginning August 31, 2015. Tosinger has been following a professional music path as a solo artist for more than a decade spanning three different continents (Africa, Europe and currently the USA) supporting other acts, performing at events, churches and theatrical creative productions including being part of vocal ensembles of a few London Broadway shows. Tosinger recently opened for International legendary African artist ‘Lagbaja’ at the notable Variety Playhouse Atlanta, during his 2015 US Tour, doing a couple of her originals from her new, debut album. She will kick off a tour series nationally and internationally, beginning September 2015 to promote the album. Stay tuned to http://www.tosinger.com for dates. Tosinger says the title of the album ‘Organically Singing’ derives its inspiration for her preference for the use of her natural, organic voice and the healthy, lyrical content of her songs to uplift her audience, spirit and soul. Delivered with a soulful vibe with an incorporation of Afro musical flavors and a sprinkle of her Yoruba language; the 16 track album includes original songs written and arranged by Tosinger herself, with a collaborative production effort with various international musicians/producers including (to name a few) Morocco based, Cameroonian Bassist – Arnaud N’Gaza, DC based Nigerian Producer – Lexisugar and the legendary Yoruba Musician/Producer Mr Bola Abimbola who has worked with King Sunny Ade & Giovanni Hidalgo among others. The album, recorded and mixed at Sound Resort Studios & FCR Studios, Atlanta and mastered by Last Drop in California, have the themes – ‘Of Faith, Of Life and Of Africa’ and includes an instrumental prelude and a bonus track, a 360° remix of the current fan favorite; ‘Ile – Home’. Tosinger incorporates a unique interpretation of a few traditional well known Yoruba folk songs on a contemporary musical platform. Her music displays a simple conveyance of heartfelt richness, inspiration, meaningful lyrics and nostalgia. A must have album for lovers of good indie music. The album sampler can be previewed at this link https://soundcloud.com/tosinger/organically-singing-album-sampler. About TOSINGER Atlanta based Afrosoul/Afrofolk Indie Singer-Songwriter has been singing for more than two decades at festivals, intimate music spaces, churches, theatre stages, events during her years in Nigeria and London, respectively. Tosinger comes with a musical flow that’s as soulful and ethnic as it is a sheer loveliness of heavenly inspiration. Her vocal essence and sound has been described as soothing and uplifting and her voice displays a simple conveyance of heartfelt richness. An eclectic artist with a warm personality and matchless passion, she names her African (Nigerian/Yoruba) heritage, Gospel Music, World Music, Soul, Folk & Jazz as influences. She also mentions legendary artistes such as Miriam Makeba, Nina Simone, Angelique Kidjo, Sade Adu and Tracy Chapman among others as creative influences. Tosinger is unique in her creativity as she occasionally incorporates her Yoruba language to the contemporary soul, sometimes jazzy/folksy sound of her music. She released ‘FINALLY’ an EP of 6 tracks early 2012 and in 2013 digitally published – The ‘AfroSpire’ Demo – a collection of songs with African sounds, Yoruba sayings and lyrics on a contemporary musical platform. Her debut album ‘Organically Singing’ will be available July 2015. Tosinger is very much on her way to warming herself into the hearts of lovers of organic music globally as she continues to brand herself in the Afrosoul/world music scene while her message remains consistently inspirational. For more info, please visit http://www.tosinger.com

 

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

Songs of 2014 – A Selection of 12 – #HappyNewYear

Here’s to the end of 2014 and sharing with you all, a personal selection of 12 songs in no particular order of preference, that I’ve absolutely enjoyed this past year.  Cheers to a better and brighter 2015 and thanks once again to everyone who supported, shared and contributed to  my indiegogo campaign for my upcoming debut album Organically Singing 2015, even though the funding goal wasn’t met, every single drop goes a long way. I’m grateful.

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” – Confucius

My full vote of thanks & way forward can be read here. Cheers to family, friends and well-wishers, cheers to more songs and positive, beneficial, creative ventures, collaborations and progress for all in 2015. Viva La Africa & The Arts.

Here goes a selection of 12 songs released in 2014 by a varied array of artists, home and abroad that I absolutely loved and enjoyed~ Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Video released in 2013)

 

 

 

 

 

and of course to cap it all, I leave you with ‘good vibes’ from yours truly

 

Wishing you a prosperous and wonderful 2015

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

Merci Beaucoup – Preview from #OrganicallySinging

Presenting a short acoustic spontaneous version of ‘Merci Beaucoup’ (Thank you very much) – work in progress song from my upcoming debut album project ORGANICALLY SINGING Summer 2015.  I invite you to join me on board this uniquely refreshing organic and healthy afro~soulful music journey at http://igg.me/at/organicallysinging .  I appreciate your contribution to the indiegogo campaign (currently 9% at 28 days left …Help!!! :D) where you can  also lock in your pre-public/pre-order and get perks as well. A special thank you to all who have supported so far.

Laolu Senbanjo on Acoustic Guitar, Kunle Ade on Percussions and Eli Fola on the Saxophone. Recorded at Complete Studios, New York Oct 2014

 

Beautifully Dreaming.. Positively Doing…

xoxo

Tosinger

Artist Spotlight – @Asa_Official Latest Album #BedofStone – Out Now

Following her second album, Beautiful Imperfection, which was released on 25 October 2010. Naïve Records Pop/Soul Afro ~ Singer/Songwriter Asa has done it again with the release of her latest work – ‘Bed of Stone’.  She started off taking the french musical scene by storm with the release of her first self titled album and the ripple effect is now being felt internationally with her subsequent musical projects, warming quickly into the hearts of soul music lovers all over.

Available here –

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/bedofstone
Deezer: http://bit.ly/1mH7EbR
Qobuz : http://bit.ly/1q52Hgk
Spotify : http://spoti.fi/XLvs8F
Fnac (CD) : http://bit.ly/1okEAX8
Amazon (Vinyl) : http://smarturl.it/bedofstonevinyl

I personally have an affinity for her free spirited, honest, Yoruba + English style and vibe , there is no Asa song I do not ‘feel’ so I know I am not 100% in the best position to give a full and unbiased review 🙂 so here’s what to do, check it out and send me your reviews and I’ll post them up duly.

About Asa

Born Bukola Elemide, Aṣa was born in Paris, France to her Nigerian parents. Her family returned to live in Nigeria when she was two. Aṣa grew up in Alagbole, a border town in Ogun state near Lagos, in the south-western part of Nigeria.

She states that the city is “buzzing with energy but also home to a deep-rooted spirituality. Christianity thrives shoulder to shoulder with Islam in an atmosphere of tolerance, and the turbulent city moves endlessly in an infernal and yet harmonious ballet of love and hate, laughter and violence, poverty and wealth”.[citation needed] Twenty years later, Aṣa returned to Paris where her life as an artist took off.

Whenever Asa came home from school in Nigeria, she discovered musical acts like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Lauryn Hill, Femi Kuti and Angélique Kidjo. This was while she was in pursuit of educational excellence, and these musical acts are whose footprints she dreamed of following… Culled Wiki

Enjoy the video of Asa performing a live studio Deezer session of 3 of her songs, including her first hit ‘Jailer’

00:13 Jailer
03:58 Dead Again
06:54 How Did Love Find Me

Connect with Asa
Twitter – @Asa_official / Instagram – @Asa_music

www.asa-official.com

Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing..

xoxo

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

OCEAN DRIVE 1995

“I just want to go to Ocean Drive, where the sun shines on everything I do……….”

Music that takes you down memory lane and gives you the best of good feelings.  I present to some and introduce to others (depending on your age / music taste 🙂 ) , Tunde Baiyewu, the unique voice of the ‘Lighthouse Family’ group who has now gone solo. He still remains, undoubtedly, a music crush of mine and I am so happy to know he is still very active musically.

Right now, my situation is – I can’t get enough of ‘Ocean Drive’, calming .. dreamy…. hopeful …Yes!

“Ocean Drive
Don’t know why you’re so blue
Sun’s gonna shine on everything you do
And the sky is so blue
Sun’s gonna shine on everything you do”

Read more about Ocean Drive The Album.

From his latest project,  here is the official music video for “Move” the first single from his DIAMOND IN A ROCK album

Worth of mention, a live version of another of a Lighthouse Family fan favorite ‘High’

Check out more  on Tunde Baiyewu on his site at http://www.tunde.co.uk/

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing…

xoxo

Tosinger