Press Release, 02/2010: Yolanda Y’awa launched first solo album
Yolanda Y’awa, former vocalist with Coda, launched her first solo album, Cross Ova, at a glamorous free concert at The Square, Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, Green Point, Cape Town on Thursday March 31. The audience was treated to this dynamic young singer from Gugulethu who hit the high notes in a concert that had everyone rocking. Fashionistas were also treated to her totally individual designs as this multitalented artist showed them off during the concert.
For those who love the unique sounds of Afro-cotemporary soul, afro-pop with a touch of reggae and Latin then her original compositions and her remarkable voice were blown away and had them on their feet.
Y’awa is not unknown in the music industry. Far from it – she honed her skills with Woman Unite and Coda, and, as their lead singer, her vocal and songwriting skills contributed much to their success. The early Coda albums almost exclusively feature songs that Y’awa has collaborated on or written. Writing prolifically gives Y’awa a sense of purpose and she uses her songs as an expression of African life. Cross Ova marks a defining moment in Y’awa’s career giving her own singular voice to her inspirations and celebrating a new stage in her life.
Her love for her children, the sounds, fragrances and the beauty of nature coupled with her pride in being an African woman and the serenity of the presence of life in Africa, are all written into her sometimes intimate, always passionate, pieces. Cross Ova features nine compositions, one of which is the familiar P’ayeye/Rejoice, first heard on Coda’s album I believe. Others will be recognized as having been performed over the years. Haunting, memorable and sizzling the music will be listened to over and over again as an iconic celebration of Africa. Cross Ova resonates as the soul of Africa, an expression of Y’awa’s passion with the capacity to catapult her into another realm. Her throaty, slightly nasal voice belts out the songs but can as quickly soften to a purr as her music enfolds you.
Y’awa’s HIV positive status has also inspired her to work closely with charitable organisations as a motivational speaker and facilitator. Using an incurable virus to guide you is what makes Y’awa’s message so compelling.“HIV made me realize that I am special so I’m trying to use my voice as an HIV-positive person to inspire people. I don’t want to speak to people about what they can’t do – I want to show them what they can do, and living a vibrant, fulfilling life is the key message” she says. With her use of song, personal experience and positive approach she is a role model to all who look to the future. Y’awa is on a journey!
Y’awa’s talents are varied: not least is her passion for fashion, one which she displays spectacularly on her own lithe body. When Y’awa walks into a room or onto the stage all heads turn – her designs are dramatic and captivating – she sports a shaven head with a flash of slicked hair, big earrings dominate and her outfit encapsulates her total look. "My love and passion for music and fashion started when I was still a toddler. I used to dress anything that resembled a figure or statue. I've always had flair for good stylish clothes, a sense of line, colour, form and a sense of balance and proportion, and an eye for detail" Yolanda says. Her label Y'awa Creations is a family business built for her sons' future, with the hope that they will one day run it. CrossOva is recorded with Eppelsauce Music and produced by Daniel Eppel.
Featuring: BaYoga/Be Free, S’thandwa Sam, Forgiveness, Bam Bam Pio, Mwana wa-Afrika/Child of Africa, Brand New Day, P'ayeye/Rejoice, MaYoba/CrossOva and Ndiyoyika.
