Tag Archives: Art

TAWO: A RISING STAR SAYS ONE DAY HE’LL BE AS BIG AS DRAKE

To make it to the top, you have to be willing to meticulously watch the greats and apply what you’ve learned, all while being patient. This is a strategy rising music star and producer, TAWO has put a lot of effort into perfecting his artistry since the age of 14, the Atlanta, GA., native has only just begun. Making a point to keep his lyrics and music content appealing to the masses the 26-year-old rapper (TAWO has been adamant at shaking the ‘rapper’ label) is a walking embodiment of thinking beyond his years and in staying power.

Back in 2014, TAWO (then rapping under the moniker ‘William Blaze’) released his first project, New Vtlvntv Sound, a collaboration mixtape with another Georgia native, Jay Mays, that was hosted by DJ Iceberg. Followed in 2015 by an EP project, Season of The Sting. Both were met by hurdles and unforeseen personal life events that slowed their success and impact. Then came 2020. Using his middle name as his stage name, more focus and better honing his craft, TAWO is on track to make this his breakout year.

Having already released three projects so far: Closer Than I Appear, Blaze Loves MoMo and Spring Fever, and on track to releasing his debut album later in the year, TAWO has no plans of slowing up.

OUR INTERVIEW

Seated in the AfriQtalk studios living room flashing his signature goofy smile, TAWO discusses his initial jump into the music scene, one day being bigger than Drake, experimenting with his music and much more.

AfriQtalk: What convinced you music is what you wanted to do?

TAWO: Music is just one of numerous things that I’m drawn to like acting, fashion or politics. I just think it was the earliest and easiest way for me to express myself creatively. It was so accessible in my household growing up. My dad had and still has such a crazy CD collection and my mom would just keep the TV on like MTV Jams and stuff like that. So naturally I was drawn to the storytelling and impact certain songs had on people and that was something I wanted for myself.

Why do you think the acting wasn’t a first choice for you?

For me at least back in the day, and when I say back in the day I mean like early 2000’s it was hard to just go out and start acting from a starting out standpoint. You have to audition and so forth. With music I was able to just connect a mic to a computer and let it rip.

How did you end up finding yourself musically? You have a unique music voice.

I would say at first that was my biggest obstacle. I was taking in so much music that I would go on a track and sound like that artist and that really bugged me. Then when I went to experiment and try something new, I felt like people would not vibe with it. So there was this constant back and forth within myself and it really slowed me down in the beginning. I had to take some time to live life and really get to the core of who I was and take that and translate to my music. Now I just vibe, I don’t know what else to call it.

How did things change for you in 2020?

It’s weird answering that question with this whole pandemic thing going on. I just pray that the world heals and people like learn to be more compassionate to everybody and all that. On a more music note though I started this year off with a go-and-get-it mentality. Like I have no excuses anymore. I’m in a space where I can dedicate all my time to my craft and really hit the ground running. I’ve dropped three projects so far. I’m working on this dope video and also on an album. I’m not letting off the gas. This has been ten years in the making. I’m not getting any younger.

What was it like in the beginning for you?

Lost. Like when I was in high school doing the whole Facebook rapping thing it was cool. It made me popular and all but when I went to the real world I was just like confused really. I didn’t know the first thing about the music industry and how to progress from where I was. That’s pretty much how everything started to fall apart. Even with a project with a well known DJ on it I couldn’t move to the next level. I did some shows here and there but the consistency was off. It was hard.

“Closer Than I Appear” really started the run you’re currently on. How did that come about?

It was just a collection of songs I made over the years. 2019 was a really bad year for me and it put a mindset in my head that I need to get on my game. So compiled some records I had laying around and recorded like one or two songs and just threw it out there. After that I was like why stop now, and I just kept going. I never even liked the project to be honest. I just wanted something out there. I know a lot more about the music industry than I used to and so I’m incorporating all my knowledge and really grinding. It’s still a challenge and I’m learning new things like everyday.

Why didn’t you like the project?

I have this problem of just hearing my old music and cringing. I think it’s a maturity thing. I want to push myself to the next level all the time so when I hear old songs like that it irks me. I was still William Blaze when I recorded a lot of those songs. And it sounds dumb because I put it out this year but I just wanted something to get my metadata and SEO going on the streaming platforms. Don’t get me wrong I have a lot of people who loved that project. It’s just a personal thing.

What’s the difference between TAWO and William Blaze as a person?

It’s a combination of a lot of things. Life experiences, maturity, deeper thinking and a better appreciation for the simple things. I think William Blaze saw the world as only what was in front of him. The music was more taunting, more careless. Now everything I do is calculated.

What makes Georgia such an important part of your image?

It started this journey I’m on now. From my street smarts to how I view music to looking at the country through the lenses of the south. When you leave and look back a lot of things become clear and I want to always translate that into my music even though I don’t talk like I’m from the south. I still want to paint the experience in my music.

What are you looking for in a label?

As of now I have no plans to ever sign to a major label. I have my own that I started and I just want to build on that.

As of now?

Yeah, nothing in this life is for certain. Things change and so do people’s thinking. That’s just my current thinking. And it will take a lot to change it.

Where were you mentally when you started making Spring Fever?

Man…. I was just in a constant state of reminiscing. I spent all of 2018 living in Denver, Colorado and I met so many women that touched me in some way or another. So that was just me expressing myself towards that direction. I have a lot of content to record about my experiences in Denver. My mind really changed while living there.

Why do you think that’s a good direction to go in your music?

It was a moment in my life where I was really stripped to the bones physically and mentally. I was put into situations that really opened my mind and changed my way of thinking. The whole energy in that city is powerful. And I don’t want to sound corny or anything but just from that one year I have enough personal material to be the next Drake. The stories I have to tell and how things panned out is remarkable. I’m going to really start diving into it in my album.

The next Drake?

Of course! I say that with complete confidence. I want to be bigger! I have so many stories to tell. So many styles of music I want to try. You know like I hate being called a rapper because I don’t want to be put into that box. I have no idea what a genre is when I record music. It sounds almost like a safety net to say I make hip-hop music. I just make music. My debut album is going to really prove that point.. And all of this is just the start. I want to make a leap into acting too.

What sound were you aiming for with Spring Fever?

I just wanted a real modern retro feel. I wanted it to sound like the whole project was floating in air. Something that gave off bubbly vibes. I was also just experimenting with the whole thing. I really loved what came out of it.

What about Blaze Loves MoMo?

When I heard heard those two beats produced by Yunnygoldz I was like I just have to jump on those songs and really laser beam my deliverance. I didn’t want anything sounding to static or boring. I had a lot of fun working on that one. I’m actually working on a video for Bahm3x right now with this young dynamic director from South Carolina.

Take a listen

Bahm3x was such a vibe! You plan on making more music like that?

No doubt. My verse on there was nice. I’m definitely incorporating stuff like that on my album.

How has your parent’s response to your music been?

They have been real supportive, especially my mom. She was the one who took me to my very first real studio session. I used to record music on the computer and microphone she had for work. At first I used to hide my music from my dad because he was always the “go to college’ and focus on a career type of guy so I wasn’t really eager to show him but he is always asking me to play my music these days.

I know it sounds premature but what’s next for you?

I’m guessing you mean after this year?

Yeah.

I really don’t even know where to begin. Music for me is just the beginning of another journey. From music I want to create visuals that are story telling and like short films and from there I want to make feature films that tie to one album. And also breaking into mainstream acting as well as fashion. I just want o build this mammoth of a beast company and just change the dynamic of everything possible. Also somewhere down the line I want to get into public service but that’s far down the road. If I were to just pinpoint to 2021 I would say I want to be Grammy nominated and have a really good foundation under my feet to build on. So I really have to get on my game and grind.

You can catch Tawo doing his thing at https://www.tawoofficial.com

or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/willtawo

Harlem’s Nnamdi Okonkwo Nigerian Sculpturist

THREE WOMEN FRIENDS Sculpture by Nnamdi Okonkwo, Harlem, New York City

“Three Friends” is a sculpture by the Nigerian born Nnamdi Okonkwo that currently resides at the front of Fifth Avenue on the Park, a condominium building in Harlem.
Nigerian sculptor Nnamdi Okonkwo created this monumental sculpture that stands outside of Fifth Avenue on the Park, a condominium building in Harlem area of New York City.

The condominium overlooks Marcus Garvey Park and is located at 120th Street and Fifth Avenue. This bronze sculpture was installed in July of 2010 and truly beautifies the front of the building and the entire area.

The following words from the sculptor:

I believe that life is not ordinary, but that there is a heroic, monumental, and divine capacity to the human spirit. Sculpture is an avenue for me to express this beauty and nobility that is inherent in humanity. In short, I seek for the sublime in the emotions and feelings, which my figures evoke. I have chosen the female form to portray this magnificence of the soul, because in my indigenous culture, womanhood is venerated, and “mother is supreme.”

I believe that the noble virtues such as serenity, love, hope, humility, charity, and inner strength, which enable us to face and transcend the adversities of life, are best exemplified in womanhood. The voluminous shapes are aesthetically pleasing and intoxicating to me, but they also serve to emphasize the largeness of soul of womanhood.

Born in Eastern Nigeria in 1965, Nnamdi is the first of three sons. He currently reside in Fayetteville, Georgia with his wife and three children. After obtaining a Degree in painting in Nigeria, basketball became the avenue for Nnamdi to come to the United States because of his height.

He was recruited by BYU-Hawaii where he played from 1989-1993, and graduated with a BFA in Sculpture. After which he enrolled in the graduate program at BYU-Provo and received an MFA degree in sculpture in 1997. His work is represented in galleries across the country, and can be seen in individual and public sculpture gardens as well.

Young At Heart Poetry Vol 3 – Shadows of You

Shadows of You

Shadows of you, dark and beautiful in color, it can be small, huge and tall

Shadows of you, different in shapes, it can be big, slim and fat

Shadows of you, solid by nature, it can be scary, funny, and shady

Shadows of you, unique, it can impersonate you and the things you do

Shadows of you, appears and disappears slowly but never can you catch up to it

Shadows of you, a companion that never leaves when you are down and lonely

Shadows of you, a friend that walks quietly with you throughout life’s journey and beyond

~ Princess Asha Okojie

Press Release:I WEAR AFRICAN – Celebrating Contemporary African Couture

African Vibes Magazine Shines a Spotlight on Celebrating Contemporary African Couture

LOS ANGELES – African Vibes magazine is bringing the rhythms, dance and pop music of Coupe Decale from Paris to Hollywood in grand style by way of DJ Oudy 1er, one of its hottest artists. With the hit single, “Tchoumakaya,” filling up dance floors across the globe, DJ Oudy 1er has been added to the event’s lineup as the special musical guest. A captivating performer, the singer/dj is the pioneer of Coupe Decale’s popular “black and white” dance move. With sold out shows in France, Italy, London and parts of Africa, Oudy 1er will kick off his United States tour with his appearance at African Vibes magazine’s fifth anniversary event – that is, the All-White Contemporary African Glam Experience.

The anniversary event will feature an “I Wear African” fashion show, showcasing the contemporary fashions of several African designers. The All-White Contemporary African Glam Experience will take place on Sunday, May 1, 2011, beginning at 5p.m at the Avalon Hollywood, located at 1735 Vine Street in Hollywood and will include special performances by some of Africa’s most talented artists. The “I Wear African” Runway brings a new and fresh aesthetics to contemporary African style though the interpretive work of some of Africa ‘s hottest and talented designers.

“This event is a great opportunity for us to celebrate and embrace the beauty that comes from the continent. Africa is rapidly evolving and having a noticeable influence in the world of fashion. You can see African inspirations on the runways of prominent designers, such as Gwen Stefani, Christian Siriano, and Louis Vuitton, among others. There is no question that Africa is inspiring some really exciting trends,” said editor-in-chief Amabel Niba of African Vibes magazine.

“These global trends are not a coincidence,” she added. “As the acceptance of African fashions become more and more mainstream, African influences will continue to bleed into other disciplines of creative expression. It’s our goal to connect the world to a more positive image of Africa , and the ‘I Wear African’ Runway helps us do just that.”

Here’s a look at the designer lineup:

· Princess Latifat Momodu-Lamoliatte (Nigeria) | Ravissant International Ltd. — the international designer and Edo princess is the managing director and CEO of Ravissant International Ltd. With vast exposure and French influences from time spent in Paris , Princess Latifat has created a brand that beautifully marries both continental and inter-continental designs within the framework of mainly African fabrics, producing quality and flexible designs of taste. Visit http://www.ravissantmode.com

· Oyin Ayoola ( Nigeria ) | Revere – the Nigerian fashionista is ready to showcase her Revere brand clothing line. Ayoola’s slogan is: “Admire…Appraise…Acquire” as the REVERExperience, describing the collaboration with a client to channel their ‘inner designer.’” The Revere clothing line imparts the richness of laces and vibrancy of prints, which inspires Ayoola’s contemporary designs. Her inner love for art and fashion turn unique fabrics into sophisticated collections. She draws her creative inspiration from the social and professional lifestyles of today’s woman. Visit http://www.reveregallery.com

· Monalisa Okojie (Nigeria) | NEHITA — NEHITA is the vision of Nigerian designer Monalisa Okojie, who’s passion for beauty led her to change careers from law to jewelry design. Okojie’s collections embrace design trends from all over the world by using appealing and colorful precious stones and various colors of gold. Her designs express elegant luxuries and appeal to the sophisticated clients with close attention to conflict free diamonds when used.

· Joseph Ntomp (Cameroon) | Ateliers Arthur — Founded in 2009, Ntomp and his partner, Elise Banin, created the contemporary shoe line, Ateliers Arthur, to offer a distinctive range of shoes that bridges the gap between classic, bench-made silhouettes and trainers. The duo’s primary goal is to create premium dress sneakers for a metropolitan lifestyle. Superior craftsmanship and material selection are at the core for every step of this creative process – pun intended. The Ateliers Arthur collection offers classic elegance while capturing the essence and energy of a contemporary lifestyle. Visit http://www.ateliers-arthur.com

· Solome Katongole ( Uganda ) | Solome — Born in Uganda and raised in Columbia , Maryland , Katongole will showcase her eponymous line, Solome, which carries a modern aesthetics inspired by color and nature. Her passion, infused with her Ugandan culture, influences her ability to design clothes that are chic, sophisticated and sexy. She creates works of art with fabrics, producing garments that are comfortable, while making a statement. Visit http://www.solome.webs.com

· Wawi Amasha (Kenya) | Mami Afrika Designs – Kenyan artist and designer Wawi Amasha is behind Mami Afrika Designs, a brand, featuring clothing, jewelry and wearable art. Amasha’s designs reflect her love for African cultures. Every item is handcrafted with love, totally unique and never exactly duplicated. Her designs and paintings reflect the celebration of life with the use of vibrant colors inspired by the Motherland, warming the heart at a glance. Her studio is based in Santa Monica , Calif. Visit http://www.mamiafrika.com

About the 5th Anniversary Event | African Vibes Magazine

The “I Wear African” campaign was launched at the magazine’s third anniversary event as a way of connecting the world to a contemporary Africa through fashion. The fashion show is an extension of the campaign, and brings to life the beauty of Africa through vibrant colors and diverse African-influenced styles, stemming from the creativity of very talented designers who might otherwise go

unnoticed. Actress/filmmaker Tangi Miller returns as this year’s co-host, sharing duties with African Vibes’ editor-in-chief, Belle Niba. Miller is best known for the role of the smart, spirited and stylish Elena Tyler on the J.J. Abrams hit show, “Felicity. As an independent filmmaker, she has produced and starred in several independent films, including “After School,” “Hurricane in the Rose Garden,” and “Love … & Other 4 Letter Words.”

The anniversary event will feature a pre-show glam lounge for its VIP guests along with a glam squad to offer makeup tips and touch-ups to guests, compliments of Milani Cosmetics — the Official Beauty Sponsor of the “I Wear African” fashion show. Additional sponsors include Gigi Jewelry, and Afrotainment, the official television media sponsor of the anniversary event.

Also, African Vibes magazine will present its Diamond Award to special honorees for working tirelessly in their efforts to shine a positive light on Africa .

African Vibes magazine is the pulse of the dynamic African culture, serving up a mix of Africa-related news, entertainment, motivation and inspiration along with in-depth profiles of the most influential and fascinating African personalities. Currently, Congolese singer Fally Ipupa graces the cover of African Vibes magazine. Past issues have featured cover stories on Grammy-nominated recording artist Akon, Grammy-winning vocalist Angèlique Kidjo, actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (“Lost” and “Oz”), international soccer player Samuel Eto’o and “Project Runway” alum Korto Momolu. The magazine weaves the threads of cultural identity for readers of African heritage who have a desire to stay connected to their African roots from a positive and uplifting perspective. For more information, visit www.africanvibes.com.

TICKETS:

Tickets prices start as low as $35. For ticket information, visit http://anniversary.AfricanVibes.com or http://avmag2011.eventbrite.com.

**About African Vibes Magazine**

Founded in 2006 by editor-in-chief Amabel Niba, African Vibes Communications Inc. (AVC) launched African Vibes magazine, the ground-breaking magazine representing contemporary Africa and Africans. It is a publication where people of African heritage come for Africa-related news, entertainment, motivation and inspiration. It is a brand that is revolutionizing African media and weaving the threads of cultural identity for readers of African heritage who have a desire to stay connected to his or her African roots. African Vibes reaches across the borders of national origin to engage bicultural individuals who have a desire to stay connected to Africa through stories that are hopeful, inspiring, educational and motivating.

Over the years, AVC has expanded beyond the pages of its flagship magazine to generate brand extensions with the annual anniversary event as well as its Village Effort and I Wear African campaigns and the Africanvibes.com website.

For more information, on the anniversary event, visit http://anniversary.africanvibes.com. or http://www.africanvibes.com