This music has been dubbed "jazz inspired folk fusion." Lyrical jazz vocals over West African, Latin, and American folk and blues guitar, and the occasional electroacoustic flare.

6 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Gentle, JAZZ: World Fusion



Details:
Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Akosua, brings the fresh new sound of "jazz inspired folk fusion" to sweeten the jaded ear. Her songs, punctuated with West African and Latin rhythms and tonalities, are a vibrant blend of heartfelt folk storytelling and lyrical jazz vocals. "Akosua pushes the boundaries of conventional songwriting," (Contra Costa Times).

Born and raised in New York and New Jersey, Akosua journeyed slowly out to the west coast, first stopping at the University of Michigan where she obtained her undergraduate degree and explored her musical talent. Determined to pursue a career as a professional musician, Akosua moved to the Bay Area, confident that the west coast would move her to fulfill her creative visions and dreams.

Since settling in California, Akosua has been featured at a plethora of venues and events including Berkeleyâs La Peña Cultural Center and Freight and Salvage (2006, 2007). In 2006 Akosua also graced Pontiac Michiganâs Blue Note Café, and her anti-war ballad We Are One, was played on the KPFA morning show. In 2005 Akosua was featured at Berkeleyâs Epic Arts. In November 2004, Akosua opened for Sila and the Afro-Funk Experience at the Elbo Room (San Francisco). In February 2004, Akosua was featured at Sacred Grounds (San Francisco).

In addition to her many performances, Akosua also played live on KPFAâs Transitions on Traditions, KALWâs Africa Mix, and KKUPâs World Music Festival. In July of 2005, Akosua performed at New York Cityâs Performance Space 122, in a mini festival for independent artists. Prior to her trip to New York she received an award for Best Performance of the evening at a West Coast Singer Songwriterâs songwriter competition in Berkeley, CA.

This year, Akosua was featured at Ghana, West Africaâs premier Jazz Club, Jazz Tone.

Akosua is creating new territory for brown girls with guitars. Her undulating voice, introspective lyrics, and self-taught guitar stylings are deeply uplifting and completely unforgettable.

"Epiphany" is a soft and soothing 6 song EP in anticipation of Akosua's debut album to be released in 2008.