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 […]
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 foranything 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.
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
Atlanta-based Nigerian Afrosoul/Folk/Jazz singer, Songwriter and Storyteller has been singing for more than two decades at festivals, intimate music spaces, concerts, churches, events and in theater, during her years in London, as a member of the vocal ensemble of select Broadway shows including ‘GodSpell’ and ‘Rent’. 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 heritage, Ambient, Worship Music, World Music, Folk, Soul & Jazz as influencing her musical creativity. She also mentions legendary artistes such as Miriam Makeba, Nina Simone, Angelique Kidjo, Sade Adu and Tracy Chapman among others as influences. Tosinger is unique in her compositions as she occasionally incorporates her…
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, LagosInterview with Tosyn Bucknor of Top Radio 90.9 FMPerforming at Freedom Park, Lagos with Seun OlotaInterview with Harry Itie for TVC Channel “On The Town”After radio interview with Olabisi Omidire of EkoFm
RhythmFM 93.7 interview on Celebrity Live WednesdayWith 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 OverFloWith 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?
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
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 be worshiped]. Those who have heard her new CD, are obliged to say that her careful attention to lyrics and musical groundations signal her out as a rising star among Naija performers and vocalists within the global community.
Nigerian born, Atlanta domiciled, Tosinger ushers in a brand new heavy generation of 21st century Diasporic Africans destined for greatness and poised to take their rightful place among musicians, dancers, dramatists, cinematographers and entrepreneurs in the USA and Canada. In setting forth her goals as a twenty first century singer…
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.
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.
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