WUNMI OLAIYA
My name is Ibiwunmi aka Wunmi I am a singer, songwriter, performer and fashion designer. Born in London, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. My work draws from a childhood steeped in the sounds, style and ethics of Afrobeat. As a teen in London, soul, rare grooves, acid jazz/funk, broken beat and drum and bass would further influence my sensibility.
My first recordings were as featured artist on the tracks of some of House music's reigning producers: Osunlade, M.A.W., Bugz in the Attic, Pasta Boys-- My first songwriting credits were in collaboration with the legendary Roy Ayres. My work was a major catalyst in bringing Afrobeat and the work of Fela Kuti into the mainstream in America, participating on such projects as Red Hot and Riot, and New York’s epic Jump n Funk parties. My first solo album, A.L.A. (African Living Abroad), was lauded by Giles Peterson as 'an essential release from a unique artist'.
Migration is a fact of life on our warming planet. And it has become a wedge issue for those that would seek to divide us, resist change, and hold on to an imaginary image of the past. This song talks about why people leave their home country, and demands that all people be treated with dignity and respect at the border! And that humanity not be sacrificed to the "Bottom Line" of profit. Recorded with bassist Michael Olatuja, Abou Diarrassouba on drums, Dave Masucci on the horns, and downtown NYC luminary Oren Bloedow on guitar
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