Ola Onabulé, British-Nigerian singer/songwriter, Jeeni Pick of the Day

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Ola Onabulé, British-Nigerian singer/songwriter, Jeeni Pick of the Day

Ola Onabulé, British-Nigerian singer/songwriter has had a career that spans almost two decades. He released much of his music on his own label, Rugged Ram Records, after recording for Elektra and Warner Bros.
Onabulé has built an enviably solid music career through a relentless schedule both in the recording studio and as an international touring performer. He has always been interested in crossing cultural and musical boundaries. The emotion and virtuosity in his three-and-a-half octave baritone voice channels his poignant storytelling. Which has given life to previous studio works exploring his Nigerian roots, his Western upbringing, family life, and musical influences ranging from jazz to soul, world, and pop.

In an independent career spanning more than 20 years. Ola has performed at many of the most respected international jazz festivals including Montreal, Vancouver, San Sebastian, Istanbul, Washington, and Umbria. As well as at concert halls and Jazz clubs worldwide, building and consolidating a reputation with audiences globally. He has presented music from his albums with his quartet/quintet. As well as with much larger ensembles of big bands and symphonic orchestras, such as the WDR Big Band of Cologne, the SWR Big Band of Stuttgart, and the Danish Radio Big Band, Copenhagen, and the Big Band Jazz Y Mexico in Mexico City.

Ola Onabulé’s reach is global, connecting with audiences worldwide through his soulful voice and his elegant appearance. Whether live on stage or on record, he gives a thoughtful interpretation of his experiences and the world around him, with music crafted with meticulous attention to detail in his arrangements and production.

With a newly recorded collection of original songs. Meticulous attention to detail in his arrangements and production. Point Less, is a follow-up to Onabulé’s last album, It’s The Peace That Deafens, boldly expressing thoughts on social injustice, reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s 'What’s Going On'. It is an activist’s call – at once a celebration of life and a cautionary take on the social forces that threaten it.

Ola Onabulé is a perfect example of an independent singer songwriter that Team Jeeni can support, by having a showcase on Jeeni.com.

JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience.

• We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make.
• We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way.
• We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect.

Check out Ola Onabulé’s showcase here: Ola Onabule Showcase along with other showcases to add to your playlist. jeeni.com.

#olaonabule #singersongwriter #jazz #original #worldmusic #soulmusic #jazzfestival #fusionmusic #vocalists #jazzsinger #soulsinger #liveinconcert #blues #jazzmusic #jazzfest #soulful

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08
Jul

Zed, The Dreamer – ‘I died too’ Single Review

Charming, layered and dreamy, the latest single from this starry-eyed balladeer might be his most impactful yet. With a rich roster of influential artists like Bon Iver, Michael Kiwanuka and Matt Corby, Zed, The Dreamer has a wide and varied well from which he draws inspiration and these influences reveal themselves quite clearly across Zed's young, bright discography. The style of the previously mentioned muses can essentially be reduced to an initial representation of the broad genre of folk music, however, they all individually decide to expand beyond that folk core by enriching it with their own individual styles, experiences and personalities. This is a skill that Zed has adopted in full-effect. A notable element of Zed’s style is his subtle embrace of lo-fi aesthetics. Before, this has materalised as some unfiltered-out background fuzz in tracks like ‘Comfort (Not Love)’, but Zed's latest track takes this raw, casual sentiment to a further level as he uses it to almost reinforce the heart aching messages that he displays in ‘i died too’. The track whirs to life like a tape machine accelerating to the right speed, instantly giving off a warm, analogue tone to the track. The sudden click to silence after just a second of guitar also contributes to a feeling that this is an impromptu recording, straight from the heart, to the microphone. As more elements are introduced, this nonchalant façade crumbles and Zed’s ballad blossoms into a polished and astonishing chorus of love. Intricate and symbolic lyrics aren't needed for the confessional “Baby, I love you” chorus, because the verse has already provided poetic details into the relationship. Interestingly, after the first chorus, Zed doesn’t use its natural momentum to maintain the energy, but instead, he brings the composition back down to where we began with an interlude of radio-effect conversational samples and background ambience that replaces the full, lush textures that we just heard over the chorus. Once back down to the ground, Zed’s forlorn vocals begin to slowly levitate the piece once more with the next verse. The second verse consists of simple guitar-tapped percussion, rumbling bass and shimmering chords, all ornamenting Zed’s gentle acoustic guitar and crooning vocals which creates the folk centre of the piece. The second verse much more seamlessly feeds into the second chorus which now professes the title of the piece, “I died too” in replace of “I love you”. This heartbreaking variation to the chorus is such a clever story-telling device. It’s not often that a chorus is altered to reveal an entirely different side to an emotive narrative, it adds a stunning amount of weight behind an already compelling single. The piece winds down one final time as a more distant and mournful "Baby, I love you" is heard underneath auto-tuned vocalisations and a self-comforting "It's alright, now" repetition. This extended ending at almost a minute long is a beautiful finish to an already unorthodox song structure. A final, pensive guitar chord rings out to finish the piece with one last poignant resignation. Zed, The Dreamer will be performing at Victorious festival this August (26th-28th) so be sure to check him out if you have tickets!

10
Dec

Deadline for Kickstart Employment Opportunity set for December the 17th

The governmental Kickstart scheme was introduced by Rishi Sunak as a response to covid-19 and the difficulty it created in employment for young people. Since its implementation last September, the initiative has boosted the careers of over 100,000 young people in the UK (figure from November, 2021). This scheme has revolutionised the way young people find their passion, career and purpose in a time when they need it most. That's why Jeeni is so proud to be making good use of the Kickstart scheme to train, support and build the portfolios of people aged 16-24 and on universal credit. Available only on or before the 17th of December, 2021, here's why you can't afford not to take this opportunity. The Kickstart scheme is invaluable for both employers and employees, because companies can build a workforce at no cost to them, and young people get paid positions in the industry of their passion. The Government provides the grants to cover 100% of wages and national insurance contributions for well-qualified, pre-screened young workers on universal credit. The positions span across 6 months for up to 25 hours work a week and you receive a £1,500 cash injection into your business for each new person you take on with Kickstart. Find out more about universal credit here: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit Although the governmental Kickstart scheme itself provides this crucial helping hand for companies and graduates, websites like Gradfuel are vital in guiding those graduates to the perfect Kickstart role for their careers. Gradfuel is a mediator between the Kickstart scheme and those it was designed to help. They provide an interpersonal and proactive connection to young people looking for a career path and “matches you with the perfect graduate jobs”. The pool of possibilities after education can seem endless and overwhelming, so a company like Gradfuel that takes you by the hand and leads you to a company that needs you as much as you need them is an extraordinarily valuable service. Gradfuel has a 97% success rate for Kickstart applications and each one will earn over £7,500 across their 6-month placement. They have over 65,000 young people in their database and have raised £18.3 million in grant funding. Happy customers such as friend-finding app, ‘Fethr’ have praised Gradfuel’s usefulness and outreach saying, “The learnings from Gradfuel and their expertise around the scheme, has saved us a lot of time, as they have thousands of candidates they’re engaged with and have really found their groove in attracting talent”. Dating app, ‘Thursday’ have also expressed their satisfaction with Gradfuel’s connection between the Kickstart scheme and young people, “Gradfuel are brilliant, they've helped us source all our young talent, from anything to data analysts to marketers, we've been very impressed.” Visit: https://grants.gradfuel.co/direct-applications/ to find out more about Gradfuel and to sign up. Remember, the registration deadline is on December the 17th, 2021. Jeeni can personally attest to the effectiveness and value of using the Kickstart scheme through Gradfuel. Zak Ahmed, Jeeni’s HR specialist had this to say about the opportunity, "The Kickstart Scheme has helped me gain the vital experience I need as a recent Masters graduate. I've found a very meaningful role here at Jeeni, where I'm progressing quicker than I could've imagined!". Ella Venvell used Gradfuel to find her Kickstart position as Jeeni’s Artist Liaison and Marketing Leader, “The kickstart scheme has given me an invaluable experience which has helped me learn about the professional world as well as given me the time to develop myself and my portfolio.” and with regards to Gradfuel, Ella said that it’s “helped me find a job doing what I love, and am hoping to do as my lifetime career." In many ways, the Kickstart scheme is the lifeblood of Jeeni; it’s the reason we can support up-and-coming artists, it’s the reason we can provide an invaluable service for viewers to discover new talent and it’s the reason you can read about it all, right now. Check out some of the Inside Stories carried out by Jeeni's own Kickstart employees: https://jeeni.com/?s=inside+story If this interests you either as a company or a potential employee, act fast as the registration deadline for the Kickstart scheme is on December the 17th. Follow: https://grants.gradfuel.co/direct-applications/ to sign up now or learn more about gradfuel and the Kickstart scheme.

25
Feb

Weekly Round-Up #10

The latest developments and additions to Jeeni! New Artists join Jeeni! New and interesting artists fuels Jeeni's mission, and with the latest additions or talent musicians, that mission is stronger than ever; Luca Chessa: “Luca Chessa Is a passionate and committed music professional, with the talent and drive to succeed. Growing up amongst the vibrant and diverse music scene in Italy, and studying music in London was an environment full of inspiration and stimulation for Luca to feed off. Luca has been gigging alongside different artists as a band member, as well as a session player, playing Rock, Funk, Pop, Blues and R&B.” Check out his Jeeni Showcase here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/ghopvxaildzq/?view=about Jada Freeman: “Jada Freeman is a singer-songwriter/producer from East London. She combines her distinctive British tone with captivating RnB lyrics and melodies, creating catchy hooks for her audience to sing along to. Her lyrics delve into topics such as love, the importance of self-worth and the overall tribulations of day-to-day life. A few of her influences are Jhene Aiko, Erykah Badu, and Lilly Allen.” Here’s the link for Jada’s Showcase: https://jeeni.com/showcase/adkcmyfeevyu/ Big Frank: “Big Frank is a Hip Hop producer from Cornwall, based in London. Since moving to the city in 2017 he has worked as a producer and engineer, and established his sound. His style is a blend of classic Hip Hop sounds, and experimental textures. Expect more releases with the UK underground's best rappers and singers in 2022.” Big Frank’s Jeeni showcase: https://jeeni.com/showcase/bigfrank/?view=about WesLi D: “Hailing from North West London, artist and producer WesLi D brings a refreshing take to UK underground and alternative rap using a blend of styles; from melodic and bouncy to somber and thoughtful, his expression is not limited sonically by any means.” Here is WesLi D’s showcase on Jeeni: https://jeeni.com/showcase/ctq6hi7bzb6e/?view=about Pat Spencer: “Raised in Bexleyheath, South East London, 23-year-old Pat Spencer has been exponentially growing his music career and experience since his promising musical journey began during the summer of 2021.” Check out Pat’s showcase on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/patspencer/?view=about New Content Contributed to Jeeni’s Database of Talent! This host of new Jeeni artists brought with them some of their incredible new music as well as other Jeeni artists which has broadened Jeeni’s database of art massively: WesLi D - ‘Walk Of Life’ Single: “‘Walk of Life’ is an enjoyable and upbeat track by WesLi D that presents themes of time and personal growth. The artist reflects on taking time to search and find himself throughout his journey in life as well as not letting his dreams pass him by. This track is relatable for the listener as it describes the growth and changes of a person travelling through life to figure themselves out.” Check out this chill single here: https://jeeni.com/walk-of-life-wesli-d/ Pat Spencer & Joe Sach - ‘Alive & Surviving’ EP: Pat Spencer’s collaboration with Jeeni artist, Joe Sach “results in a sweet and layered three-track project.” Pat Spencer’s sweet lyrics and vocal talent provide the heart to this project, while producer, Joe Sach forms the body, with day-dreamy and mellow instrumentals. Check out the review of ‘Alive & Surviving’ here: https://jeeni.com/blog/pat-spencer-joesach-alive-surviving-ep-review/ Check out Pat Spencer’s showcase on Jeeni: https://jeeni.com/showcase/patspencer/?view=videos Big Frank & MazeyJune - ‘Sun Outside’ Single: “This chilled out hip-hop callback from Big Frank beckons the summer with the help of MazeyJune’s soulful voice. ‘Sun Outside’ sees Frank with his staple effortlessly serene and well-rounded beats accompanying MazeyJune’s free-flowing, enchanting melodies.” Check out Jeeni’s review of ‘Sun Outside’ here: https://jeeni.com/blog/big-frank-mazeyjune-sun-outside-single-review-blog-jeeni/ Check out the single here: https://jeeni.com/sun-outside-mazeyjune-and-big-frank/ Jada Freeman - ‘Vibe With Me’, ‘Illusions’, ‘Willingly’, ‘You’re Not the One’, ‘Devil in the White Cloak’ and ‘Trippin’’ Singles collection: Jada Freeman has contributed all six of her incredible singles, including 2021’s ‘Vibe With Me’, “a seductive, inviting and playful single from Jada Freeman. The track has hugely diversified her style and expanded expectations for her work ever since.” After featuring on Jeeni artist, Ace Bermuda’s debut single, Jada joined Jeeni shortly after the review of the track was published on Jeeni’s blog page. And check out the full review of ‘Vibe With Me’: https://jeeni.com/blog/jada-freeman-vibe-with-me-single-review/ Check out her showcase here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/adkcmyfeevyu/ Ariana May - ‘First Love’ Album: Classically trained singer and composer, Ariana May has recently released the entirety of her debut album, ‘First Love’ on Jeeni. “The album of piano compositions: ‘First Love’, charts an emotional voyage through the depths of the heart. The album possesses a combination of nostalgic, poignant and optimistic pieces that each reflect different stages of a relationship and, on a deeper level, of our mercurial emotions as we experience the elasticity and unpredictability of life.” Check out Ariana’s incredible showcase here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/arianamay/ Giack Bazz – ‘Giack Bazz Is Not Famous’ Exclusive Single: Giack Bazz is an alternative Rock singer-songwriter based in London. Giack takes the listener on a tour inside his mind, criticising society and discussing mental health, from love to loss.” ‘Giack Bazz Is Not Famous’ is the title track of Giack’s 2018 album. Deliberately present only on the vinyl edition and now, Jeeni, this single is an exciting and fresh take on indie rock. Check out the exclusive single here: https://jeeni.com/giack-bazz-is-not-famous-giack-bazz/ New Artist Focus blogs: In addition to 4 new review blogs, two new biographical, ‘Artist Focus’ blogs have been added to Jeeni’s blog page, https://jeeni.com/blog/ . Alana Sukul: https://jeeni.com/blog/alana-sukul-artist-focus-blog-jeeni/ “Brand new to Jeeni, Alana Sukul has contributed five new tracks to several of our channels due to her music casting such a huge stylistic net. Stirring together funk, dancehall and electronic ingredients, Alana Sukul is rapidly building momentum with her unique take on modern pop.” Cassius Gray: https://jeeni.com/blog/artist-focus-cassius-gray-blog-jeeni/ “Cassius Gray has expanded and diversified Jeeni’s hip-hop, rap and RnB channels with six incredible tracks, each one different to the last and totally refreshing. With casual, effortless rhymes and relatable vibes, Cassius Gray is making huge waves in the UK jazz rap scene.” Reach out to the Jeeni marketing team at doug@jeeni.com or ella@jeeni.com. Make sure you’re following us on social media to keep up to date with new releases from our artists, our blogs and any job openings. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeenimusic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeenimusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeenimusic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/33222018/admin/

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