Iyeoka Okoawo专辑介绍：Simply The Best, If you are only going to buy one music CD, this is the one to have. "Iyeokas SAY YES is a holistic experience which feels like you are receiving an invitation into the beautiful mind and soul of the ever-evolving creative mastermind. It would be wise of any true music lover to have such a timeless collection of art in their musical repertoire." 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. A first-generation Nigerian-American, 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 artists albums, including The Press Projects "Get Right" album and "Memoirs of the Tempo" by Tempo Valley. In 2008, Iyeoka released her second album of poetry and music fusion "Hum The Bass Line" again on Phanai Records. That same year, Iyeoka lent her vocal talent to a cover of U2s 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 Leones Refugee All Stars, Vieux Farka Tour, Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir with proceeds benefiting the Global Fund. In 2009, Iyeoka decided to transform her sound and songwriting approach and began working with producer David Franz (in collaboration with her original producer, Francis Phan) to create more traditional song forms. Iyeoka released two EPs that year called "This Time Around" and "Run Into the Rain." The new music infused more pop, R&B, dance, and hip hop into the mix, creating an "electronic soul" sound. .. In November of 2010, Iyeoka will be releasing her new album, SAY YES, containing nine songs and two poems, through the Underground Sun artist development company. It is the first "Evolving Album(tm)" where purchasers will receive added content for free as the album evolves. Even before the albums release, the first song "The Yellow Brick Road Song" has already been featured in an episode of the new hit HBO series "How To Make It In America." Iyeoka is currently touring in support of the new album and her poetry. In the past, Iyeoka has toured in support of artists such as Femi Kuti, Zap Mama and Soulive, as well as played musical festivals like Bonnaroo. The buzz surrounding her poetry has also garnered her national attention through performances at the TBS Trumpet Awards, the Sullivan Honors Awards at the Kennedy Center and Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on HBO. Iyeoka is a powerful songstress whose lyrical prowess and vocal talents invoke the spirit of soul-shakers Nina Simone, Sade, Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse. A story teller to the core, Iyeokas hope-filled words pour out from within and build momentum based on truth. As the words transform into songs, they reemerge as unique, emotionally complex gifts to her audience, touching on a wide range of issues--love, women, culture, struggle, and relationships, among many others. I really dont know what to say about this. All words of praise pale in comparison to the music. It defines an era, a moment, a generation. I cant listen to it without a flood of memories and feelings. There is nothing like it. The best of the best.