IYEOKA MUSIC * POETRY * WORKSHOPS MUSIC Iyeoka Ivie
Okoawo is a Poet and Recording Artist, a 2010 TED Global Fellow, the 2nd place
2009 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion, and a spokesperson for the Amenawon
Foundation. Daughter of Nigerian-born parents who both hold Doctorate degrees
from Boston University, Iyeoka was a practicing pharmacist before launching her
career as a poet, singer, activist and educator. In her native Esan language,
Iyeoka means “I want to be respected.” By channeling her culture and ancestral
influences, she delivers an authentic and inspiring message of healing through
accessing the power of the moment. Iyeoka
began her musical career by founding the group The Rock by Funk Tribe, a
collective of musicians that enabled her to interweave her poetry with jazz,
blues, funk, and gospel. She released her first solo full length album of
poem-songs called “Black and Blues” in 2004 through Phanai Records and then
began to tour and make numerous appearances on other artist’s albums, including
The Press Project’s “Get Right” album and “Memoirs of the Tempo” by Tempo
Valley. In 2007,
Iyeoka released her second album of poetry and music fusion “Hum The Bass Line”
again on Phanai Records. In 2008, she recorded a live album in Hawaii called
Live @ KTUH – Honolulu. That same year, Iyeoka lent her vocal talent to a cover
of U2′s hit song “Desire” for a compilation of U2 covers called “In The Name Of
Love: Africa Celebrates U2.” The album featured Grammy Award-winning/nominated
African artists including Angelique Kidjo, Les Nubians, Sierra Leone’s Refugee
All Stars, Vieux Farka Toure, Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir with
proceeds benefiting the Global Fund. Read more ... |