The last I wrote, I had just returned from my travels in Zanzibar (for the Sauti za Busara festival) and Singapore (for the Mosaic Music Festival). But so much as happened since! Where should I start?!
In May I had the wonderful opportunity to minister at Abundant Life Christian Fellowship’s “Women of Worth” Retreat in Pacific Grove, California (Beautiful location, right on the beach). I had the privilege or sharing three songs throughout the retreat and even got to perform “Amazed”, the single off of my new gospel album of same name. The retreat participants commented that they were really touched by my songs. This is very encouraging, especially to an indie artist. It was wonderful to see women from all walks of life coming together, sharing their joys, cares and worries, and then leaving them behind, hopefully permanently.
I then turned my attention to education; in particular to the young minds of Lincoln High School in San Jose, California. Teachers from the English and Foreign Languages department had organized an “Africa Week” in which the school focuses on the issues and regions of Africa. On entering the theater for the performance, I felt like I was in school again! The students surrounded the stage on all sides and to start it all off, I launched right into the first song, “Kiwomera Emmeeme”, (it is sweet to the soul). When I saw the students start moving to the music, I knew it was going to be a great assembly. Throughout the hour I had with them, in between songs, I explained some of the history of Uganda, some cultural gestures, traditional tribal dance, and meaning behind the music. Their participation was key and reminded me of how important the song I have within me is. I encouraged them to utilize the gift within no matter what it is.
Leaving the local school scene briefly, I headed to Lancaster, Pennsylvania for a couple performances at the local churches. I couldn’t have asked for more welcoming congregations.
Returning to the local schools, I had a very moving experience at New Valley High School. There is a very special music club set up by some extremely dedicated volunteers who come once a week to teach African & Latin music to a few students. Each week they have a jam session together, with students improvising riffs while others perform poems they’ve written themselves. I was fortunate enough to be given the invitation of playing my Ugandan drums along with them, teaching them some basis rhythms and sharing some of the Ugandan culture. The intelligence, talent, and dedication of these students are something I will remember forever. It certainly gave me hope in the youth of today and what they will achieve in the future.
In the following weeks, I had some whirlwind performances on the east coast, New York and Philadelphia. In New York, I was asked to perform as part of World Sickle Cell Day in the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. Though it was only for a few minutes, I could feel it had an impact. I am always thrilled to be a part of events that are committed to raising awareness on health issues that often get passed over. After my brief stint in the city, I headed to Philadelphia for the annual Philly GospelFest where I sang songs off of my new gospel album, Amazed. This was wonderful; well organized and welcoming, I met some great people, including other performers!
Now that all the traveling is done, it’s time to prepare for next year’s festival season! We’ll see you all then!
Greetings to everyone! I hope this finds you all well.
I’ve just returned from an amazing trip to Singapore where I performed at the renowned Mosaic Music Festival. The festival, which included over 50 artists from around the globe, was held at the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. Esplanade is a national performing arts center, located on the magnificent marina bay waterfront, whose 21st century architecture is the perfect compliment to the festival theme. I had four performances in the first two nights (March 16th & 17th), all in Esplanade’s Living Room Concourse, sponsored by Haagen Daz. On the first night, I sang two sets from my jazz sampler, Omega Jazz Take One, for Mosaic’s “Fab Females” themed evening. The following night was centered on world music so I performed songs from my world music album, Kiwomera Emmeeme. Both nights had a great turn out and we received an incredible reception (with quite a few CD sales to boot! This means a lot to an independent artist in this economy!). My last performance with Mosaic was at their Nokia Outdoor Theatre (March 21st), with the beautiful waterfront as my background. We had an amazing turn out, between 800-1000 people! Lots of positive feedback about how people said the music made them feel. One fan even sent me a poem she’d written about the performance! The festival organizers were wonderful hosts. Their coordination of logistics was excellent and they kept everything punctual and orderly. In addition to playing at Mosaic, I had the opportunity to play a couple local Singapore gigs as well: the Oosh bar (March 20th) and the Supper Club (March 18th). Oosh is a very chic bar with a creative design and environmentally astute atmosphere, combining use of the indoor and outdoor space. We played two jazz sets (well into the wee hours of the morning) and to a very positive response. The Supper Club was a last minute gig that was offered to me by a separate contact that was introduced to me by one of Mosaic’s festival coordinators. A very modern, alternative way of dining, the Supper Club offers members the experience of dining on beds rather than tables. All in all, my time in Singapore was quite successful. It’s a beautiful place (despite the hot and humid weather with the sudden rain storms). With English widely spoken throughout, it was easy to get around. There’s great shopping and warm, welcoming people.
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Greetings all!
I am freshly back from Uganda (still jet lagged!) and right back to the grindstone! As many of you know, I put on a benefit concert on August 29 at the Serena Hotel in Kampala to aid the maternity ward for Mulago Hospital, our nation’s main referral hospital. The proceeds from the concert go directly to purchasing surgical beds for high-risk pregnancy women who often need surgery in order to save mother and baby. As with any production, there were some minor glitches, but all turned out swimmingly! I arrived a little over a week early for radio and TV interviews and had so much fun doing it! The night of the concert was great. Though there were some sound issues during the first set, and parts of the rest of the show I managed to rise above it all and stay as professional as I was trained and delivered my notes as accurately as I could. I’m told the atmosphere was electric. I could really feel the energy from the audience. People were touched by the positive lyrical content of the music and by my description of what God means to me. As an artist, connecting with the audience is one of the best feelings you can have. Thanks to all who came out and supported this wonderful cause and also to those who have sent me messages of encouragement. Those messages are part of what keep me going!
After the concert, I had to fly back to the US for a performance at the Africa Convention in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 31. I sang a couple songs for their closing ceremony. It was a cozy venue and a great positive response. Thanks to all who came out!
This weekend, September 6, I’ll be performing at the People Festival at the Martinez Waterfront Park in Martinez, CA. I’d love to see you so come by, check us out and say hello!
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