O-siyo, unali-i (greetings, friends)! My name is Wodige Wehali (Wo') from Georgia. Of African and Native American descent, I am a composer, singer/songwriter, musician, storyteller, videographer, photographer, and graphics artist. My music can be best described as eclectic, ranging from Native American-inspired to contemporary R&B, with some blues, rock, techno and world beat thrown into the mix.
On TSALAGI CITIZEN, you will hear the haunting call of the Native American flute, the heartbeat of powwow and sweat lodge drums, the jingle of dancing ankle bells, petrified rock percussion, and improvisational chanting, all in the spirit of the Cherokee (also known as the Tsalagi [jaw law GEE] or Aniyvwiya [ah nee yuhn wee YAH] the Principal People). RED CLAY: THE FIRST EXPERIENCES (recorded under the pseudonym Nevare Domani [neh VAH ray doh MAH nee]) recounts the glory and tragedy of the Cherokee in the early 19th century. Red Clay, Tennessee was the site of the final council grounds for the Cherokee prior to the Removal in 1838. Orchestral and popular elements set the stage for vocals, Native flute, and hand drums. BEYOND THE HORIZON is a magical blend of poetry and music, resulting from the international collaboration between myself and multi-talented poet, Ilaria Caobelli. I composed, arranged and performed the musical landscape for Ilaria's evocative recitals. Special gratitude to Ilaria’s brother, Giorgio Perbellini, for the promotional photography for this project.
My projects with The Fellas reflect my diverse musical tastes including contemporary R&B, Native American-inspired flute and drums, acoustic, acid-jazz, reggae, and blues. "The Medicine Way" from FUNKY MOUNTAIN sums up my personal philosophy about travelling the Red Road, in which each one of us has a unique path along which we find and use our Medicine to help us along life's journey "Coyote Music", from WISHBONE, won many hearts over with the mellow beckoning of the Native flute and primal drumming. "Across a Crowded Room", also from WISHBONE is an acid jazz/hip hop offering recorded with German female rapper Vanessa Morlok (a.k.a. MC Kamikatze) and will definitely make you dance! "There Is Love" (the fruit and vegetable song) from FLIPSIDE is a perennial favorite with its Caribbean rhythms and lilting vocals.
Other musical accomplishments: My self produced video for "Coyote Music" won a MAGA Film award in 2007. In 2008, I led a local 8,000 drums ceremony for Mother Earth in Georgia. That same year, I provided music for a Native blessing of the river in my community. My music has been featured in several independent Native American educational videos, including ones produced by John "Wind" Surridge (Lakota). I have performed with other Native American artists such as Joseph and Laralyn Riverwind of The Blessed Blend (of Taino and Cherokee-Scottish heritages respectively). I had the honor of meeting R. Carlos Nakai, Arvel Bird, Robert Mirabal, and Tommy Wildcat.
I have been a member of the International Native American Flute Association, the Contemporary Arts Exchange in Macon, GA, and run a private studio christened KIVA where I record and put on shows and musical programs, and host jam sessions. I want to share the gifts the Great Spirit bestowed upon me, and help bring together musicians of all cultures. To me, that's what it's all about!
Dohiyi (peace),
Wo’
Read more...