Born with an unusual name that is eclipsed only by her talent, Yewande (pronounced E-wán-day) has been recognized as one of the most sought after independent artists in the world (www.yewande.com). When she first exploded onto the music scene in 2004, her socially charged brand of Alternative Soul music won over a legion of fans and critics alike. The release of her debut EP “Evolution” (Lotus Records, 2005) quickly led to appearances on MTV, BET and a coveted debut at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Performances with the likes of the Black Eyed Peas, India.Arie, Enrique Iglesias, Maroon 5 and Sean Paul followed soon after as she earned countless international songwriting awards, headlined concerts from the college circuit to Europe and Africa, and walked red carpets with the “who’s who” of Hollywood. As a little girl her only dream was to change the world, but in an industry that doesn’t always celebrate “different”, Yewande began to question whether that wish had simply become a dream deferred…and the music all but stopped.
During a nearly 5 year hiatus from the recording industry, Yewande ignited a one woman movement across the globe and she’s back to tell us stories of that journey on her highly anticipated debut album, “Rebirth” (Phoenix Records/Lotus Records, 2011). As the “First Lady of Alternative Soul” on the Phoenix Records imprint, her songs still speak unapologetic truths about issues that many artists shy away from — poverty, war, race, love — and with powerhouse vocals that hearken back to the days of Tina Turner and Pat Benatar, she’ll make you a believer! Much like her progressive contemporaries — Prince, Lenny Kravitz, BOB, Seal, Kina, Black Eyed Peas, Outkast — Yewande’s music continues to defy genres. "Life is colored with so many emotions — joy, loss, struggle, triumph,” she explains. “My music is simply about that raw thing we all share! It’s not about Black emotion, not Heterosexual emotion, Christian or Middle Class. I want to write songs that reflect the human experience!” One part storyteller, two parts kick ass live band, the angst of Rock, a dash of Hip-Hop and a whole lot of Soul, “Rebirth” is a refreshing departure from formula driven artistry that so often trumps innovation. Her bold, lush new sound is like a carefully scored movie soundtrack with lyrics that reflect the journey of a lioness reborn. The target is aimed squarely at your heart and based on early insider response, will undoubtedly land in heavy rotation on your Mp3 player!
The world has come to know Yewande as far more than a singer-songwriter but an award-winning lecturer and passionate social activist. When she isn’t rocking the stage, this honorary cultural ambassador uses music to empower some of the world's most vulnerable children from Africa to the Americas through her humanitarian organization (www.changerocksfoundation.com). And through her educational company (www.globalinstituteforchange.com), Yewande addresses lecture halls about issues such as tolerance, leadership and social justice (www.soldiersforchange.com) on college campuses across the country. Listeners may wonder what inspires Yewande to do everything that she does. Is it faith, ambition, the fans, the music? Or perhaps its Yewande’s Yoruba birth name, which means “reincarnation of mother”, that foretold this story long before her journey ever began.
"In a musical era claustrophobic with sameness emerges an artist who has chosen to be a voice on an avenue of sound less traveled. With increasing recognition in an industry where different doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, Yewande has joined the ranks of today’s pioneering artists." – Eventlinks.com
“Not only does she have genuine singing talent, her songwriting chops are especially well-developed. Her songs speak of issues that matter (or SHOULD matter) to us in light of the world as it stands today. It's good to hear songs that are backed up by REAL INSTRUMENTS!!! You just don't know how much of a difference that makes until you hear the tracks for yourself.”
- Listener (CDBaby.com)
"Sultry, smoky and yet imbued with a honey-like sweetness, Yewande's voice resonates with a spellbinding, earthy soulfulness."
- Blues & Soul Magazine (United Kingdom)
“The world is filled with very talented people, but it is the rare few who apply that talent to a social message that addresses those searching for hope and inspiration. It is a rare opportunity for an embassy to join with an artist of Yewande’s caliber."
- United States Embassy (Malawi)
“She is Tina Turner, she is Nina Simone, she is Sarah Vaughan, she is Tracey Chapman, she is every woman of color who has stepped outside of the box and dared to represent something greater.”
- Amplified.co.uk (United Kingdom)
“Yewande is not to be confused with other celebrities that have little substance and even less talent. She speaks of real world issues that have blackened the face of humanity. As soon as she opens her mouth a new day is born.”
- Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ)
“The headline act of the Malawi Lake of Stars [Malawi, Africa] was U.S.-based Yewande, a statuesque urban rock songstress, who seized the spirit of the audience and drove them into a frenzy. The magnitude of her voice left no-one untouched.”
- Paste Magazine (United States)
“Through an interpreter, Yewande addressed the room filled with eager faces at the Chicondono Village School [in Malawi, Africa]. She spoke of Africa’s influence on music around the world. The children were captivated by her charm and listened attentively while she told them to realize their own dreams. I recall wondering when last I had found myself in the presence of such raw passion.”
- Selamta Magazine (Ethiopia)
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