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Wunmi
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New York, NY
In the world of dance music, Wunmi is a one-off, an artist that effortlessly joins the dots between Nigeria’s Afrobeat heritage, New York’s house pedigree and London’s jazz, broken beat and classic street soul sounds. 10 years of classic collaborations working with production heavyweights like Masters At Work,Osunlade, Seiji and Truby Trio, Wunmi is finally flying solo with her acclaimed debut album, entitled A.L.A
Born in London, Wunmi aka Ibiwunmi Omotayo Olufunke Felicity Olaiya lived in Nigeria for 10 years, returning to the UK aged 14. "Moving back to England, the same feeling of not fitting in hunted me and it was at that point my identity started shifting, like ...who am i?" She retreated into a world of her imagination, finding expression in clothes, and in her later teens on the dance floors of London Clubs. "With time I became Wunmigirl!. I became comfortable with me." The enduring image from Wunmi’s early years in music was in summer 1986 as the dancer silhouetted in Soul II Soul’s ‘Back To Life’ video. As an integral dancer within the Soul II Soul set-up, Wunmi quickly established a bold, self-styled image with flowing braids and her own outrageous clothes which became a valuable addition to the Funki Dred identity. She was subsequently chosen as an icon of London underground club culture when featured in Kiss FM London's first advertising campaign as a commercial station.
“I love dancing and love DJs because they can make me travel.“ And travel she did in the late ‘90s, teaming up with Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez and Louie Vega for Masters At Work’s classic 1998 re-work of Fela Kuti’s ‘Expensive Sh*t’, ‘M.A.W. Expensive (Tribute To Fela)’ and the equally strong follow-ups, ‘Ekabo’ and ‘Time Is Now’. The tracks paved the way for a slew of Nu Yorican Afro-house workouts from the likes of Dennis Ferrer, Jerome Sydenham and more and stamped Wunmi’s unique vocal style on dancefloors worldwide. The collab continued on at the Miami Winter Conference and Masters At Work’s legendary Nu Yorican Soul parties in 2000 and 2001 where Wunmi performed through the Havana cigar smoke alongside Stephanie Mills, Jocelyn Brown, Jody Watley, Roy Ayers and more.
More acclaimed collaborations followed: her solo debut, ‘What A See’, brilliantly re-worked by A Guy Called Gerald, and Osunlade’s ‘Rader Du’ for Soul Jazz in 2001, Paper magazine promptly voted Wunmi as one of their‘50 Beautiful People’. Premier league producers continued to queue up – King Britt requested some Wunmi spice for his ‘Oba Funke’ album project as well as studio wizard Ras for Germany’s Sonar Kollektiv.
When the Red Hot organization commissioned an ambitious album paying tribute to Afrobeat Godfather Fela Kuti in 2004, Wunmi was top of their list. The result, a dynamite version of Fela’s ‘Zombie’ backed by Bugz In The Attic’s razor sharp beats, became the big club track from the project and was accompanied by some memorable live dates. Most memorable of the Red Hot and Riot live shows was at Europe’s largest multi arts venues The world famous Barbican in London. Wunmi was on stage with Manu Dibago, Cheike lo, Les Numbian, Baaba Maal to name a few.
On-stage, Wunmi is a revelation. The Wunmi stage show has become known for its explosive energy with her trademark outfits, hi-octane dance moves, a super-tight band and an infectious spirit that draws in crowds wherever she plays. Highlights?
A memorable appearance at Out Of Africa’s London Summer street party in 2004, Jump ‘N’ Funk in New York, the legendary Body & Soul parties in NY and Sapporo Japan. In New York, Wunmi has played numerous shows at Joe’s Pub to much acclaim and her fans are notorious at Brooklyn’s BAM café for stampeding the venue every time she appears in front of a standing room only. 651 Arts presents live at St Ann's Dumbo featuring Wunmi & Ameil Lareaux, concert still being talked about by those fortunate to have been there.
Wunmi ended 2007 at the Setai Hotel in Miami where she was invited to perform as part of their New Year’s Eve celebration party along side Oscar award winner Jennifer Hudson. 2008 saw Wunmi involved in a number of high profile charity events, starting with a headlining performance at the Millennium Promise and Malaria No More Gala at Lincoln Center in New York. She was invited by White Ribbon Alliance, an international coalition, working at grassroots and government levels to save the lives of pregnant women and newborn children in 90 developing countries around the world, to participate in their 10 day musical convoy tour across South Africa. Her song ‘Talk Talk Talk’ was used as their theme music for their short documentary film. At the end of the tour, Wunmi was enlisted to perform at their New York event @ Bar 13.for the delegates who attended the UN Summit in New York. Other highlights of the year was performing at the Mazawine Festival, Rabat Morocco along side Tony Allen and touring Europe with Pee Wee Ellis and Fred Wesley as part of the ‘Still Black, Still Proud” – an African artist tribute to James Brown.
Wunmi has been profiled in numerous media including UK’s Radio One, One Extra, BBC World Service, France’s Radio Nova, and in the US; National Public Radio, WCRW, BET J, African Channel. NBC.
Alongside her music, Wunmi has become a vital link between today’s global dance music culture and the vast musical history of Nigeria. She narrated a potted history of Nigerian music for Strut Records’ ‘Nigeria 70’ anthology during 2001 and would later present a 3 part audio documentary on Fela Kuti for the BBC world service Radio in 2003, called back for 2 further programs 2004 ‘Living the high live’ which she hosted live performance by some of the great High life Musicians including her uncle Dr Victor Olaiya, and most recently 2007-8 Wunmi’s Urban groove. This program was based on Wunmi traveling to 3 continents (Brazil, India and South Africa) to meet and interview local Artists who are creating their own style, brand of music.
For her debut album, Wunmi linked up with many of the top producers that have featured her vocals over the years from Seiji, Truby Trio and Fauna Flash to Pastaboys and Morten Varano. Her influences for the tracks are wide – she draws as much from Kate Bush and Sade as she does from U.S. funk and soul and, of course, the Yoruba styling of Nigerian Afrobeat, highlife and juju. The album titled ‘A.L.A.’, stands for ‘Africans Living Abroad’ and behind the trademark Wunmi grooves, she tackles some difficult issues. There are tracks exploring the alienation of living away from home, the stark choices faced by those who fall outside of “the system” and the continuing corruption of governments and fat cats worldwide. It is Wunmi talking from the heart and represents some of her best work, establishing her as one of dance music’s real enigmas. This is not African music, world music or any other genre dreamt up by the marketing men. This is Wunmi’s world and there is nothing else quite like it.
Wunmi released a remix EP , Jan 09, titled A.L.A Revisited via, traxsource, Itune's and all reputable digital download websites. This EP further solidifies Wunmi’s solid pedigree in the Dance music scene. She currently researching ideas for her follow up Album.
Check the Wunmi websites for news on new releases and live gigs worldwide: www.wunmi.com / www.myspace.com/wunmigirl / http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wunmi-aka-Wunmigirl/47401447991
Projects by Wunmi (1)
Wunmi is Backing (1)
Recent Posts by Wunmi
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Wunmi
Posted project update #11Studio work has began......Wunmi is lost in melodies and words... soon come.
This post is exclusive to backers.
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Wunmi
Posted project update #10Sweet Success... Blessing to all of my Backers!
Dear backers,
Oh Yes we did it!...
I am still speechless... I pray this does not carry through to my recording sessions..lol!
Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart for making my project a success.
BECAUSE OF YOUR GENEROUS PLEDGES ......I shall now be able to book my studio time, confirm musicians and yes..... sit down and begin writing....This next week KickStarter and Amazon will be collecting and processing your pledges. If any of you have declined, pending, or error transactions the nice people from KickStarter will be in touch with you. Please do your best to follow through with your pledge. Kickstarter will also be getting in touch with you in the coming weeks to get any needed information for your rewards!
Do please bare in mind that as my album has yet to be written! So I am really starting from scratch........ my main goal for the next 2-3 months is to focus and work diligently on creating this album..... You will all receive updates as the album progresses via kickstarter , Face book , myspace and my website. As the album gets closer to completion.... I will be preparing packages for each of you based on your contribution. I ask in advance for your patience on this.
I will do my very best to be in contact with you throughout the process and make sure you get everything that comes with your pledge. I will make sure before the final artwork is submitted that I have everyone's names listed correctly in the booklet as they desire. Once we get the CD's back from the manufacturing plant we will start mailing out the packages along with all the other goodies!At the beginning of this project I said that as well as doing volunteering work while in Ghana ....if we achieved our $15,500 goal I would donate all of the profit from my next show In Ghana to Doctors without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). I absolutely plan to stay true to this. I will keep you posted on when and where this show will take place.
A powerful wind of change is blowing through the music industry and for many independent artist like myself our fans and supporter are the key to our success.......
Having the money to make a new album is Truly a blessings, and I'm excited to make it and will do my very best to make you all very proud.Back in Nov 2009 i made a wish and 3 months later you all made my wish come true... once again, thank you all for being a part of this. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL gift you all have given me.
Blessings always,
Wunmi
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Wunmi
commented on a projectDearest Tomoko, Cederic and Mariko!..... You all rock! Thank you so much for supporting my project .. your love and support really helped me stay calm.and the reward is a successful campaign !..... I look forward to sharing this album with you all. Thanks again for believing in me. Love and more love, Wunmi
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Wunmi
Posted project update #9We Made It!..with 24 hours to go...
Congratulations to all my backers....YOU ALL ARE MY ANGELS.....
Yes we made our goal of $15,500,
We now have less than 20 hours to go.. before the final bell rings, at 11.59pm EST tonight Feb 7th!
Lets really make that great big push to the finish line...... there is more than enough time for folks who would still like to make a pledge..... Every bit counts!....As we approach the final stretch of this truly bless campaign.
I must admit there were a few times that i did ask myself what would i do if i did not make my target!.. each time this question popped up ...the little voice in my head would say For real WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY!.
So i continued to reach out for your support and you all came through BIG TIME!....
I can't thank you all enough for believing in me. Your generous pledges and support has further inspired me!.Now It is my turn....I am so ready to begin working on the album...... Since my arrival in Ghana I have gotten to meet some of the musicians who will be working with my producer and I on some of the songs...And i mean new songs totally brand new from scratch!
I look forward to sharing with you all my journey to creating the songs for my still untitled album!.. internet connections permitting I shall up load a weekly update once my studio session begins....
My recording goal is to record at least 11 songs... Once all songs are in the can.. then the listening party to determine which songs makes it to the album!... oh yes and the album title..
Next step is to have them mixed and mastered!.... once this is done we will proceed to manufacturing cd's! Plan is to have album ready by July! barring any technical delays!During this period I shall be putting together a PR team ..and tour plans
Out side of the recording of the album the other major expense is the promoting of the ALBUM!Also, this next week KickStarter and Amazon will be collecting and processing your pledges. If any of you have declined, pending, or error transactions the nice people from KickStarter will be in touch with you. Please do your best to follow through with your pledge if any problems occur while processing.
Again i thank you all from the bottom of my heart!..
OH YES WE DID IT!.
BELIEVE!...My love always,
Wunmi
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Wunmi
Posted project update #82 days... half way!.. oh yes we can.....BELIEVE!
THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR CONTINUING TO SPREAD THE WORD ON MY PROJECT..
We are now approx 67 hours to make $8,490!.....Do you know someone who has a special event coming up and would be in need of a great band!?
Please tell them about me.. if you have seen my band and I..
You know we are a fabulous band to entertain any crowd...your friend / friends will be too thrilled..
for a generous pledge of $5000 !...My band and i will bring HOT PEPPER SAUCE to your party!.
2 such bookings / pledge BEFORE 11.59pm on Feb 7th will bring us on target!.........If you and your friends have not tasted Nigerian dishes... all for a generous pledge of $2000! have me come serve up dinner or lunch for you and a few friends..... yes WUNMI in your Kitchen or you come to my place.... and I will treat to mouth watering dishes from my Native country!...
It is a new year and dance is one of the best tools for getting back in shape...
I will be more than happy to come teach a dance workshop!..
For a generous pledge of $3000... i will provide life musicians!... and you and your friends can enjoy a great workout with live music..This are just some of the great rewards still available!..
I look forward to performing, cooking or teaching anywhere!.. for the Generous pledge!..
I am waiting..
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Wunmi
Posted project update #7deadline looming!..where there is a will there is always a way!
My apologies for being out of communication for the past 2 weeks..
I have like everyone been in a deep state of shock since the Haiti earth quake..
I continue to pray that HAITI finds peace in the mist of this nightmare.Much as i so believe in my project and need everyones participation.. I did not feel comfortable soliciting for backers in the mist of the crisis in Haiti..
Just as i continued to struggle with what next.. I received a beautiful email from a dear friend who asked me to go back to the comments and positive reinforcement i have received from all of you who have backed my kickstarter project....he reminded me that there were people looking to help me fulfill my dream. he said "Believe it or not, their dreams are fulfilled as well. Accept graciously, give graciously. It's the breathe of our psyche."And as i have been reminded i do have an album to record and dreams to fullfill!
SO HERE I AM - GHANA OR BUST!. 9 DAYS AND COUNTING TO DEADLINE!.Oh yes it is tight.. $10,055 dollars to raise by Feb 7th..
But i know we can do it..... and on this i make a promise to you all that as well as doing volunteering work while i am in Ghana recording .. i make my own pledge to you... If we do reach the full $15,500 before Feb 7th, i will dontate all of the profit from my next show In Ghana to Doctors without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
To their Emergency Relief Fund, to be used in the Haiti earthquake emergency and in future emergencies.I am ready to finish what we started.. Lets do this..Please email your friends share my project with them.. Let them know about me..I need everyones participation for real!...
I will be online everyday feel free to reach out to me..Emails, SKYPE, FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, KICKSTARTER...
We can do this...in times of urgency all we need is someone to lean on.. I can't thank you all enough for your love and support..
love and more love,
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Wunmi
commented on a projectThanks Tyron, for your love and support!.. It means so much!.. yes we can do this.....
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Wunmi
Posted project update #6SABAR BLESSINGS!
I have been in Lagos , Nigeria for the pass week but sadly due to daily power cuts and fuel shortage I was not able to access internet /emails/ Kickstarter.
I traveled by Ground Yesterday to Ghana and finally went online to see new pledges !..
My gratitude to everyone for your generous support.What with new world crises..... I know even more how truly bless to have you all support my project.
I can't thank you all enough..
To my new backers welcome on board the Ghana or Bust train.. I look forward to taking you all on a magical African fusion sound plain....I'll also like to thank everyone who attended Jan 4th Sabar dance class fund raiser! in NYC
thanks to my master dancer teacher Babacar M'baye....
They raised $350 dollars
3 people who didn't come but sent in donation Shurla, Florelta and Maleuka ,
and folks who danced their lovely butt off!..Susanna, Aveila, Sandy,Lahi, Connie, Suko, Tobie, Cayenne, LIlte, Magali, Beth, mayo. Shirin, Hikaru, Assikero ,Kuddara, Shatina,Rajonna, Dion,Elthera,Oinuka, Annie, Kern, Tiffany, Shakuntala, Sabine, Florelta, Maliaka, Marianne, Jeffrey, Joan ,Ali, Elaine and Kori who also donated in advance.I thank you all from the bottom of my heart... i felt you all... Babacar thanks for making this happen.
with every step my goal inches forward.... Please continue to spread the word.... Let folks know
they too can hold fund raise on my behalf and then pledge it on my kickstarter!The coming together of people to make dreams come true is a powerful affirmation of the power of the collective.... I am truly touched by all your support and love.
With this blessings i will create an album filled with positive,inspiring energy!I look forward to sharing the making with you all!.
One love,
Wunmi
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Wunmi
commented on a projectTHANK YOU to all the backers and WELCOME to those who have most recently joined the train to Ghana!. Wishing you all a Peaceful, Happy, Healthy,Productive Bless New Year!. I am so touched by all your support.... I LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING EVERY MOMENT OF MY JOURNEY WITH YOU ALL..
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Wunmi
Posted project update #5Birthday month !..
Dear All,
Firstly, THANK YOU to all the backers and WELCOME to those who have most recently joined the train to Ghana!. Wishing you all a Peaceful, Happy, Healthy,Productive Bless New Year!.
I am happy to announce despite catching a cold that almost robbed me of my voice. I was able to complete my 6 days feature guest with Roy Ayers at Jazz Cafe London Uk!. as well as singing back up on Roy's 'Everyone love the sun shine' and 'Black Family'
They also played my version of Fela Kuti's 'Upside down' ... wicked way to see in the New Year on Stage... Priceless!Holidays are over......
So it's time to ramp up the energy and get some money flowing!!!And it begins tomorrow Monday Jan 4th My Sabar Dance teacher Babacar M'baye (Senegalese traditional dance class in New York) has kindly offered to donate all the proceeds from his first Monday night class to my project!
Class takinf place @ DANCESPORT-22 West 34th Street/ 4th Flr,
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Cost: $14.00
Please spread word and if you are in town go support ! Class is wikkid i love love love it!.. and the energy is out of this world..wikkid way to begin the year..Other news this is my Birthday month... My big day is Jan 18th!.. this will be the first year in a very long time that I shall not have a birthday show... well not in NY or London.. but i am working on a way to upload the life recording of my first show in Ghana!
As soon as i figure this out you all will get to see this..So okay we are now 35 days to deadline Feb 7th!...I am optimistic that we can reach our goal in time. However, I now strongly urging you to get in touch with anyone whom you think might be interested in backing "Ghana or Bust" and send them to this page. The countdown is on......
Sending you all best wishes!..
may this year bring forth more blessings for all.love always,
Wunmi
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Wunmi
commented on a projectWow wow Athena... i am so touched sis... thank you for always believing in me. love always love.
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Wunmi
commented on a projectThank you Jessica !.... i am so touched and appreciate your love and support!.. here is to a magical journey... love always.
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Wunmi
commented on a projectDear Rachel, Thanks so much for your love and support!.. i look forward to sharing my journey with you hey don't forget to send me your pic request!.. love always
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Wunmi
commented on a projectDear Ali, wow wow!.. thank you.....so much for your love and support.. I am so touched. Look forward to sharing this journey with you!... blessings always.
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Wunmi
commented on a projectDear Lisa, Thank you so much for your continued believe in me.. ..Your love and support is much appreciated... I look forward to sharing every step of this journey with you.... Stay bless up...
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Wunmi
Posted project update #4Year coming to an end.. new beginnings
Waoh it is exactly a month since i launch my project!..
We now have 45 days to go!
The lessons and blessings intermingle with ease... what ever doubt i had before i launch
has gone for good...
Everyday i marvel at all the love and blessings shared with me.. I am truly humbled......
Thanks again to everyone of you for backing my project....Feed back is very positive!..
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One thing i do know for sure..I AM LOVED and this is a BEAUTIFUL thing!
Please continue to spread the word..!
I am going to be BBC radio this Sun!. on Dotun Adebayo programm!Wishing everyone a bless and joyous holiday season.. May the New Year bring forth more peace, clarity, understanding, love and abundance of happiness...
Love always..
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Wunmi
commented on a projectOh Dear Mandana, I am so touched........ Thank you so much.... you've always been there encouraging me to go for my dreams.. and when i have doubted my blessings you've reminded me the joy i bring to others.. and here again you continue to support me.. I can't thank you enough... love always dear friend...
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Wunmi
commented on a projectDear Shira, Thank you so much for your support.. I am so touched.....You are one of the people who have inspired me to go for my dreams,plus you've donated to my project.. despite your leaving your job!.......... I am sooooooooo touched... and truly humbled... I look forward to sharing my journey with you... and i hope we can finally work out a plan so i could come to Zambia when you are there.. i am good for workshop and performance!..would be an honor to give back..
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Wunmi
commented on a projectThanks Laura,Kai, Santiago, ELizabeth and Binta for your rock solid support and believe in my project....... angels do come in many disguise... it is truly a blessings having you all in my corner... I look forward to sharing every step of the trip with all of you...Yes we are all in this together... One shared dream that.. love and blessings always...
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Wunmi
commented on a projectMama C!.. we are moving forward.. i am a believer.. and i thank you for your love and support..
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Wunmi
commented on a projectOh Esther thank you soooooooo much.. your support is much appreciated.. love you girl!.. ...
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Wunmi
commented on a projectDear Sandy, Thank you so much!.. much appreciated.. REALLY REALLY!..love and more love...
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Wunmi
commented on a project updateThanks Aretha, Yes when i first head this mix i was like waoh i know this tune.. it is a wikkid mix... very 80s yet very now.. Yamwho? does wikkid work glad you enjoyed as much as i do. I will post link to down load once i figure out how that works..lol!.... Thanks again for the love and support!.. words not enough to express how i feel. stay bless up.
Thank you!
This post is exclusive to backers.
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Wunmi
commented on a projectThanks Chris!, wow wow!.. your support is so appreciated.. i am so touched.. ..love always...
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Wunmi
commented on a projectThank you so much Miky.... thank you for everything and more.... i am there for you too!.. so let me know when!.. love always..
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Wunmi
commented on a projectThank you so much for your support.. you will get a mentioned on the cd!...;o) i am touched..
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Wunmi
commented on a projecti love you Tina... gosh you making me cry... thanks.....
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Wunmi
Posted project update #3Early thank you.. 2 Free download of Sweet Lullaby.
This post is exclusive to backers.
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Wunmi
commented on a projectDear Shira, Thank you so much for your support.. I am so touched.....You are one of the people who have inspired me to go for my dreams,plus you've donated to my project.. despite your leaving your job!.......... I am sooooooooo touched... and truly humbled... I look forward to sharing my journey with you... and i hope we can finally work out a plan so i could come to Zambia when you are there.. i am good for workshop and performance!..would be an honor to give back..
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Wunmi
commented on a projectThanks Laura,Kai, Santiago, ELizabeth and Binta for your rock solid support and believe in my project....... angels do come in many disguise... it is truly a blessings having you all in my corner... I look forward to sharing every step of the trip with all of you...Yes we are all in this together... One shared dream that.. love and blessings always...
