Album Notes

Andre Marcel Wilson, now Andre Marcel Ajamu Akinyele, was born June 21, 1972, in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California. He began singing at the age of 5, and by the age of 11 had taught himself how to play several instruments. Marcel is heavily influenced by Prince, Maxwell, Joni Mitchell, and MeShell N'degeocello.

January 15, 1998, Marcel released his first CD titled, "The Diary of Marcel." This was Marcel's first release on his own recording label, "Bombay Recording Company." He produced, arranged, composed, and performed all of the material. He toured the Bay Area and promoted the CD by doing in-store appearances in Tower Records, The Wherehouse, Sam Goody, and Rasputin.

May 15, 2001, Marcel released his second offering, "Spice The Alternative Hip-Hop Experience." Promotions and marketing began through internet and retail outlets. "Spice" was released in various record stores including Tower Records and Sam Goody's. "Spice The Alternative Hip-Hop Experience" has a more developed Hip-Hop, R&B sound with an added mixture of Funk, Rap, Old School and Futuristic rhythms.

Since the release of "Spice The Alternative Hip-Hop Experience", Marcel has been on the front cover of Disc Makers Magazine, received internet distribution with The Orchard and has been nominated for the "Just Plain Folks 2002 Internet Awards." Sales have been generated via internet in Japan and Italy. "Spice" was also added to a Japanese Cable Network Station for a television program.

November 15, 2003, Marcel released his third offering, "Uptown : 2025 A.D." Marcel's mission on this CD is to find "Love & Trust" and to bring back those elements to a planet in search of utopia. Along his journey through space and time, Marcel will encounter many love's and sexual encounters, but will be confused by the cosmic showers of love & trust...issues from a past life, known as "The Reflection." Marcel will surrender his soul and upon him will be faith, and a rebirth of freedom will arise within...

MARCEL now records as "Ajamu Akinyele" on the Pearl Jazz Recording Label.

MARCEL's entire catalog can be purchased right here at CD BABY, so look for the following titles:

The Diary of Marcel "1998"

Spice : The Alternative Hip-Hop Experience "2001"

Uptown : 2025 A.D. "2003"

Uptown : 2025 E.P. "2004"

Secret Weapon Volumes 1 & 2 "2004" (His last recording as MARCEL)

Supernova "2005" (Released as Ajamu Akinyele)

Black Magic The Cyber Jazz Experience "2006" (Released as Ajamu Akinyele)

For more info visit: www.ajamu.net