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Joining Nigeria’s Afrobeat heritage, New York’s house pedigree and London’s jazz, broken beat and classic street soul sounds, the Inimitable Queen of Afro Dance Fusion is back! Featuring a super tight band, infectious vocals and energetic dance moves, Wunmi performs work from her highly anticipated follow up album.  Joined by Nigeria’s own Siji for a fierce opening act the evening is woven together by DJ Spinna.  It will be virtually impossible to stay off the dance floor!

Wunmi

In the world of dance music, Wunmi is an artist that effortlessly joins the dots between Nigeria’s Afrobeat heritage, New York’s house pedigree and London’s jazz, broken beat and classic street soul sounds. 10 years of classic collaborations working with production heavyweights like Masters At Work,Osunlade, Seiji and Truby Trio, Wunmi is finally flying solo with her acclaimed debut album, entitled A.L.A Born in London, Wunmi aka Ibiwunmi Omotayo Olufunke Felicity Olaiya lived in Nigeria for 10 years, returning to the UK aged 14. In an interview, Wumi said "moving back to England, not fitting in, hunted me and it was at that point my identity started shifting, like ...who am i?" She retreated into a world of her imagination, finding expression in clothes, and in her later teens on the dance floors of London Clubs. On-stage, Wunmi is a revelation. The Wunmi stage show has become known for its explosive energy with her trademark outfits, hi-octane dance moves, a super-tight band and an infectious spirit that draws in crowds wherever she plays.

www.wunmi.com

 

Siji

As a child, through his cultural heritage combined with the political and social movements, Siji was exposed to the insurgent, politicized music of the Afrobeat legends Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Tony Allen as well as the soulful grooves of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Otis Redding. The self-taught piano, percussion and acoustic bass player released an EP, Facets followed by the single My Lover's Embrace on his own label IVY Records in 1996. With the publishing deal under his belt, Siji relocated to New York and performed in renowned venues—SOB’s, Bam Café and Joe's Pub. He has worked with a number of producers, but it is his collaboration with Osunlade, who produced music for Musiq Soulchild, Eric Benet, and classic R&B vocalist Patti Labelle, that fostered in Siji a love of production. He has contributed songwriting and production talent to projects for Salif Keita, Cesaria Evora, Vinia Mojica and Wunmi. Siji’s debut album, God-Given (BBE Records, 2004), gives the listener the inspired reminiscences of the soul greats as well as traditional, Yoruba instruments, rhythms, and intricate drum patterns. Siji’s distinct vocals are an organic complement to the sound. His self-titled newest work, Adesiji, was mostly recorded in Baltimore, a city Siji suggests is “trapped in time.” Siji sings about love, freedom, and self-empowerment. In this way, his music does inspire us to act—to observe, to love, to sing, and most of all to dance.

www.sijimusic.com

 

DJ Spinna

DJ Spinna is something of an anomaly in music. A humbling example of what it takes to truly succeed within the framework of multiple fields. A steadfast work ethic, an obsessively extensive vinyl library and the willingness to pursue the full extents of his roots (Funk, Soul and Jazz), foundation (Hip-Hop) and future (Electronic/Dance music) with no restraints. A cornerstone of Hip-Hop's late 90s indie-uprise, DJ Spinna made much of his first impression on listeners as the musical background of his group, The Jigmastas, (having released an impressive slew of 12” singles on his then self-run label Beyond Real during this time) as well as providing the canvas for an array of that era's lyrical giants. Everyone from Mos Def, Talib Kweli to Pharaohe Monch boasted Spinna beats to prove their worth to the scene. Turning heads throughout the industry, Spinna's sonics soon infiltrated numerous genres tapped by everyone from Mary J. Blige to Motown Records (for his brilliant Michael Jackson homage to We're Almost There). With a brand new album, Sonic Smash, at its completion (set for release with High Water Music), Spinna's venturing back into the Hip Hop stage that saw his inception in the industry, tapping into his perfected take on cosmic boom-bap that is unique and only manipulated by him. Remaining a musician for the ages, Spinna's true successes happily await in the future. Won't you come along for the ride?