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“Tunes by the Afrobeat composer and percussionist Tosin Aribisala all felt very natural. ”
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A renaissance force to be reckoned with, the music of composer, percussionist, and vocalist Tosin speaks highly of his African origin. It is also easy to see other influences, such as jazz, Latin music, funk, etc, in his music. As a prolific writer, Tosin writes and sings in his native language - Yoruba - and also English and Pidgin English. His musical inspirations over the years are Fela Kuti, Manu Dibango, Bob Marley, John Coltrane, Art Blakey, Sting, Seal, King Sunny Ade, and Haruna Ishola.
Growing up in Nigeria, Tosin's father's vast album collections served as his initial education in music - consciously listening to the diverse music collections from around the world, as well as reading the liner notes intently in order to get familiar with the studios, producers, the musicians and the process. This eventually reflects in his approach to music productions. Tosin professes that "my music is a mixture of African rhythmic textures and some elements of jazz, blues and funk, with lyrics of hope, love and human realities." Possessing infectious groove, Tosin has shared his versatile groove possibilities with different artists, which include Taj Mahal, Carolyn Malachi, Fatoumata Diawara, Spyro Grya, Femi Kuti, Baba Maal, Julie Dexter, and many more.
In 2014 and 2017, Tosin received the Individual Artist Award for the best World Music Composition from the Maryland State Arts Council. In 2017, he was featured on the Drumeo Channel for a master class on African rhythms applied to the drum set. In 2016, Tosin appeared at the annual Percussive Art Society's International Convention as a clinician/performer. His Drum Monologue has also been featured on MTV's Real World show. Plus an interview/performance with his group on Fox 5 News and Voice of America.
As a bandleader, with 4 albums released, Tosin and his groups have performed at various venues across the US as headliner as well as openers - the most recent being at the Apollo Theater for the Africa Now! festival. With strong passion for teaching, Tosin continues to impart knowledge of music and drumming on aspiring drummers and non-drummers alike. In the same vein, he does not relent in writing new materials for his band, as evident in his latest album release - Afrika Rising - on Ropeadope records.
Previous events
Apollo Theater presents Africa Now!
Apollo Theater
Tosin will be headlining at the Apollo's Africa Now! festival in the Apollo Music Café, Harlem, NYC.
Master class on African-Global rhythms featuring Tosin.
Tosin & Arturo O'Farrell Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra
The Symphony Space, New York
This is a collaboration to perform the music of the legendary Fela Kuti, featuring some amazing talents.
Tosin & Arturo O'Farrell Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
The Greene Space, NY
Tosin will be headlinging at the annual APAP music conference.
Come check out Tosin's band as they present new music from the recently released album: Afrika Rising. The band will be performing 2 Hours of Non-Stop music. Get Ready!
As part of the new album showcase, Tosin's band will be performing live. Donations are appreciated.
Tosin will be performing with his band as part of the CD release shows.
Drum Workshop for drummers and non-drummers. This event is free.
Tosin's band performs live at the BB King's Lucille club.
Album Release Party
The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD
Tosin will be performing songs from his latest album with his live band.
$20
African All-Star Showcase, DC
Tropicalia, 2001 14th St, NW, , Washington, District of Columbia
This event is a showcase of Washington, DC-based African bands/artists, featuring: Tosin & Afrikan Rhapsody, Sahel and Vakirai. It's promised to be awesome. And you don't want to miss it.
$10
Baltimore Book Festival
Mt. Vernon Place, 600 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD
Tosin will be performing at the annual Baltimore Book Festival. The event is free to the public.
Age limit: All ages
Artscape Festival, Baltimore, MD
Wells Fargo Main Stage, 1400 Cathedral St,, Baltimore, MD
Tosin's band will be performing live in concert at the biggest festival in the East Coast: Artscape Festival, Baltimore, MD. Many international acts will also be at this festival.
Check out Tosin on the Wells Fargo Main Stage between 12:45PM and 1:45PM.
Free Admission.
Visit: www.artscape.org
Age limit: All ages
Kennedy Center
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St, NW, Washington, DC
Tosin will be performing with Malian griot, Cheick Hamala at the Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage. This is a free concert.
Age limit: All ages
AfroDreamFest
SOUTHWEST ARTS CENTER, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, Georgia
Tosin will be featured at the concert for the AfroDreamFest in Atlanta.
Catch him perform live.
Age limit: All ages
Live @ Tropicalia
Tropicalia, 2001 14th St. NW, Washington, DC
Tosin's band will be performing an opening set for Malian griot/singer Cheick Hamala. This is a special evening.
See you there!
$10 Age limit: 18+
Discovery Theater
Discovery Theater Ripley Center
Tosin performs live at Discovery Theater.
www.discoverytheater.org
Age limit: All ages
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE, Washington, DC
Tosin will be headlining at the Atlas INTERSECTIONS FESTIVAL on Sat. March 9, 2013.
www.atlasarts.org
$20 Age limit: All ages