TOSINGER: Organically Singing

 ”Tosinger’s music is afrosoul/afrofolk, a genre of original, authentic and inspirational lyrical content for the soul and spirit, with an incorporation of her African heritage and aura, through the use of ethnic vocalisms and her yoruba language in strategic places. Her music is an expression of ambient sounds and uplifting messages delivered on a contemporary platform. Mostly organic, with a preference for minimal instrumentation and a folksy/jazzy feel, her vocal essence & sound has been uplifting messages delivered on a contemporary platform. Mostly organic, with a preference for minimal instrumentation and a folksy/jazzy feel, her vocal essence & sound has been described as soothing and calming reminiscent of Miriam Makeba, Sade Adu and Tracy Chapman.”

About Tosinger

 I am Tosinger. My full name is Oluwatosin Taiwo. A daughter of a medical doctor father and a broadcaster mother, first born and sister to 3 siblings, wife and mother of 2, and an Artist. An Inspirational Afrosoul/folk Singer-Songwriter and Artpreneur. An uplifter of hearts through the Arts.

 I am from Ogun State, Nigeria, born at UCH Ibadan, Oyo State in the mid 70’s and grew up in Abeokuta, Ogun State. I attended primary school at St Bernadette’s Private School, Abeokuta, secondary school at Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School and later the University of Ibadan for a B.Ed in Communication & Language Arts (1998). I later went on for a postgraduate degree in International Relations from the Nottingham University, UK in 2002 and recently another MA in Arts Administration from the Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta. I am currently resident with my family in Atlanta, Georgia doing my music and my creative freelance business on the side dba Dreamweavers Entertainment.

What motivated you to start singing?

 As a little girl, I discovered I could sing when my maternal grandma (the late Mrs Georgietta Abeke Adesina, a well-known educator and eclectic artsy catholic woman in Itesi, Isale Ake, Abeokuta who is also of a Republic of Benin origin like the character in your bookJ) who I lived with and was very close to; during the earlier years of my childhood (about five – seven years old), took me along to her church choir rehearsals at SS. Peter & Paul, Ake, Abeokuta of which she was a member of. I was the only little girl amongst all the older people in the choir. She surrounded me with her singing and her radio was constantly on 24 hours a day, exposing me to all styles of Yoruba traditional music of the time. Hearing people tell me I had a beautiful voice motivated me to sing more and be more confident on the stage.

I started treading my musical calling path in church and in the later years, as a worship leader at the University of Ibadan’s Victory Christian Fellowship. I started taking music seriously (i.e. professionally) after my Masters in the UK when I attended the School of Creative Ministries at IBIOL (International Bible Institute of London) in 2003. There I realized my wider artistic strength and potential (beyond the church walls) even more and this afforded me diverse outlets of expression and experience. I relocated to the US in 2003 to join my husband and after I had my second son in 2007, I felt ready to launch out and share my musical talent with the world so I started writing and recording my songs about a year later.

   Organically Singing was released in July 2015. 

Here’s a free download of a song from the album
http://www.unlock.fm/4fr

Here’s a sampler of the album that can also be included if you want
https://soundcloud.com/tosinger/organically-singing-album-sampler
Congratulations on your many accomplishments.  Tell us what or who inspires you?

Thank you.  I am inspired by God and His creation, nature, family, life events and experiences and observing inspiring people. I also have a passion for the African continent and I am inspired by her people and her culture.

  What have been the most challenging aspects of what you do?

 Without hesitation, the most challenging part of what I do will be the financial aspect. As an independent artist with the kind of niche music that I make, it is difficult to self fund and market a full music project without the support of a well-established label/company that can leverage their investment and network. Doing it all by oneself despite the indie tools that are available can be very daunting and overwhelming.

 Good music yes, but how shall it reach the right audience if they never hear it? This sometimes triggers low points and frustrations which make it easy for one to give up.

But my passion and faith keeps me going, if God is in it, He will always make a way where there seems to be no way.

For people looking to get into singing, what do you advise?

If you have the talent of singing, please don’t hide it. Do something daily, no matter how small, that aligns with your dream or gives your talent an outlet of expression. Train and develop yourself as you go as well. Learn new things. Use your gift, the more you give, the more you receive. Consistency is the key. Never stop, keep going. Never give up, keep pushing.

  Where can people buy your music and how can they reach you?

 I just released my latest project, my debut album titled ‘Organically Singing’- Original and fresh music of a soulful vibe and inspirational lyrical content with an incorporation of Afro musical flavors, a sublime vocal delivery with a sprinkle of the yoruba language. A healthy musical serving with a nostalgic ambiance. It is available on cdbaby, itunes, google play, amazon and any other digital outlets online. You can also order and reach me on my website at www.tosinger.com. I am on Twitter and Instagram as @Tosinger and on Facebook as TOSINGER – www.facebook.com/tosingersings.

I also blog at www.tosingersblog.com

  What’s in the horizon for you?

 My vision is to impact the world positively through my music and art. This is the journey I am on today. With God’s grace, I will continue to beautifully dream and positively do.  Greater things are on the horizon. I will conclude with my favorite scripture: Proverbs 4:18 — “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day”

 The Debut Album- Available July 2015 on iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon and all other digital outlets. Physical copies are available on www.tosinger.com

Tosinger has headlined  various musical concerts and  worked with both national and international musicians including Lagbaja.   She organizes the annual Afrodreamfest, a musical event spanning a few days at the end of May.  It brings together Afro jazz/soul musicians and lovers of all things Afro music.  The next one is coming to the Washington DC area in 2016. (YES!! for selfish reasons). For more information visit www.afrodreamfest.com

Tosinger is an indie artiste who, despite the odds, is getting her music out and living her passion.  She inspires the soul. She’s definitely walking  her path to greatness.[image error]