I am so thankful to know such an amazing being as Josh Milan.
REWIND TO 2007 - Miami during Winter Music Conference: I was introduced by a friend to him and when I tell you I was speechless...Chile! I was speechless. Such a humble being and such an amazing person to know. Oh, I remember WHAT party it was too! It was the Poji Records Party. Big ups to DJ OJI and the crew!
FORWARD to 2011: Josh is doing some major things with his record label, Honeycomb Music. He has signed artists, as well some releases as well. Check out this video of him doing his thing. Much <3 man!
Another amazing weekend to put in the book for Atlanta's music scene.
First and foremost: I have to give thanks to DJ Ausar for letting me contribute to the very first and of many events like this one. Without his vision, the event would not have taken off. Secondly, Carlos Mena with his storytelling of the many Orishas gave me a better insight into what spirits lie amongst us if we just look, listen and learn. My homegirl, Sabine. She ripped the decks this past weekend at Sunday School and gave me a dance that I shall remember. Oya is with you and I give thanks for your amazing energy. Charmaine Minniefield for being the behind-the-scenes woman who played a greater role in all of us coming together. Salah Ananse for letting Sunday School and Afrique Electrique become what it has become.
Everyone else as well for showing Love for this event. It is time. For too long we have been complacent and not truly recognizing the importance of Africa within music. Sure, we hear certain sounds and vocals. But do we know what it truly means?
On Friday night, Carlos Mena blessed us on the decks. For those who missed it: YOU REALLY missed out! Sekou had the agogo going and I unfortunately did not get any pics of Carlos doing his thing because I was dancing the whole night.
Here are some pictures I took:
On Saturday, I had the wonderful and beautiful opportunity to get some Afro-Cuban Orisha dance in, which was taught by Charisse Williams (BIG UPS!). Carlos started off the energy with some storytelling. Thank You oh so much for the wonderful vibes and energy. I felt at peace. At the end of the dance session, we had a 5th generation drummer from Nigeria come in and speak, then play for us all. How humbling is that?!
That night, Culoe De song came and tore it up if I must say so myself. When I heard 'Stop Jealousy', my energy soared and I was completely in another World. At the end of his set, he closed it out with 'The Bright Forest'. Chile, myself and Shana were done for! I lost my damn whistle in the process. Oh well! It was well worth it! Big ups to the Tambor Crew for showing us all what a REAL music event is. Pictures:
On Sunday, we were all blessed by the amazing DJ Sabine Blaizin from NYC. For those that don't know, she was also part of the dance group, Dance Warrior Project of NYC. She also plays alongside Ian Friday. Big ups mama! Now she has Oyasound, which is sure to be blazing soon. Many blessings to you mama!
Pictures:
Video of some of the awesomeness from this past weekend!
Thank You for the support and until the next outing...
As not only a music head, I seek knowledge on all levels. I am helping with this event and would be amazing to see all gain insight into what makes us FEEL, what GUIDES our feet and what ELEVATES the spirit. Atlanta's own, DJ Ausar created this concept, which coincides with the National Black Arts Festival. An event NOT to be missed!
Symposiums with DJs who deal with the ties of Africa (directly or indirectly through music), Dance Collectives focusing on Orisha folklore, Music guided by the drum and most of all, the energies surrounding it all.
DJs so far for the lineup: DJ Mafioso, DJ Ausar, Kemit, Stan Zeff, Carlos Mena, Salah Ananse and South Africa's own, Culoe De Song. A weekend not to be missed!
Let me just say for the record: My feet and body are still recovering from this past weekend's festivities. JoJo Flores has not touched down in Atlanta since 2008 when he played at Lava. Amazing set, I must admit. Nonetheless, he graced us once again with his sound at Tambor Party. To the naysayers who say they truly LOVE House music: You cannot like just one sound. There are many facets to this sound and JoJo did a great job fusing it all together. Many thanks for bringing the Montreal sound to Atlanta. I gotta hit up Montreal when I get a chance. The dancers are just as fierce as any I have seen.
Last night (YES LAST NIGHT, suckers), my home slice and wonderful spirit, Miranda Nicole sung her pipes out. Many blessings to this young lady. Her single, 'Kissing You' has been blazing in New York on the radio for a couple of years now. First time I heard it was at House In The Park when Kai was on the decks. Very smooth and soulful.
Tea Party Music's own, Ian Friday placed his hands on it and BLAM! Big ups, woman! I am so proud of you. Go COP the track RIGHT NOW on traxsource. Better yet, here's the link:
I enjoy times like these. I need a release besides the dance floor at an event or outing. Check it out! Every Wednesday at AIM Studios. Five bucks to keep your body moving and grooving! See you all there!
About a couple of months ago, I happen to stumble upon something on Meetup. Now for those who do not know what Meetup is, pretty much you meet people with the same collective interest as you do. First and foremost, I am a dancer. I feel the music and the spirit within me to guide my feet and the rest of my body.
I stumbled upon a group called 'House Dancers of Atlanta'. Now let's break it down for some who are not quite the dancing type: YOU DO WHAT YOU FEEL. Yes, some feel that it is an art form that should be expressed in the form of instruction. However, I feel that if you can tap your foot, nod your head and even yell out loud, guess what? IT IS HOUSE DANCING.
The founder and organizer of the group, Isile Kashoro, is a House Head herself. Shoutouts to the young people in the scene sharing their creativity and talents amongst all. Some may not like it, but we are here to stay. As well as her being the organizer, I am alongside her. Watch out: WOMEN ARE TAKING OVER. In a scene dominated primarily with men, it is time for women to start doing the damn thing.
Big ups to all the women in the Atlanta scene and all over spreading the Word and LOVE of House Music.
Do not be scared ATL: Get some shoes and join us every Wednesday. Yes, we can all get down at other events and discuss so much more. It is just good to get down to some amazing music on a wooden dancefloor with like-minded souls all in the name of good music.
This man inspires me as a dancer. When you mix the percussions,the tongues of many ancestors passed down, sounds of drums reminiscent of Mama Africa and the raw vocals within a track, you have Osunlade. One of the first tracks I heard from Osunlade was 'Cantos A Ochun Et Oya'. Something stirred from within and right then I knew this man is the NOTHING TO PLAY WITH! Many claim to understand the depth of Deep/Soulful/Ancestral House. Some may not even care to know about whom they are. I GUARANTEE you his tracks evoke you to feel.
I will NEVER forget hearing him at a BEMBE Party in Miami during the Winter Music Conference in 2007. The energy was so powerful, happy and entrenched with old spirits amongst the music. Many blessings to this warm soul and continue to bless us with your music (although I read that this is the last 'House' album). A must have for the TRUE house connoisseur.
There is one thing to download it, but to PHYSICALLY have it in your hands is another thing. I am forever blessed for this man and his wonderful vibes. Meeting this man is awesome! I felt tongue-tied and nervous. May the spirits continue to protect him in any endeavors he succeeds in. Walkin' In Paris is my track (which I have on repeat). Reminds me of the beginnings of when I was introduced to House Music. Other tracks such as, Ser Al Santisimo, brings the percussion and ancestral side full circle to the masses. Makes my heart sing and my soul happy. The catalog of music he has entrances me and takes me into another World. I feel like I am walking amongst my ancestors on the shore as the sun sets abroad. So much culture, Life, yet a side of shyness which is revealed as every EP comes out.
