Demetress ‘Nuwamba’ Cook isn’t your average neo-soul artist. Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, the singer/songwriter is fully aware of what the industry’s expectations are- he’s just totally unaffected by them. Nuwamba has been following his own rules since the second grade when he started singing in his grade school’s glee club. In his younger days, Nuwamba took note of his parents’ love for music. At home, music had always been a major part of life, but it wasn’t until he decided to join the chorus at school, when he saw and felt a true personal connection to it. By his senior year of high school he was writing songs. However, it wouldn’t be until his meeting with Atlanta-based entrepreneur William Griggs when Nuwamba began realizing the necessary development in becoming the best artist he could be.
Growing up in one of the largest cities in Texas, his personality is a mix of pragmatism, sensibility, and down home comfort. The latter especially, is reflected in his music. His vocal presence is weighty over instrumentals, weaving itself throughout soft lyrics about love and relationships. For Nuwamba to never have been classically trained, he succeeds in holding listeners captive with a single note. The recording artist had begun traveling back and forth between Atlanta, Dallas and abroad, taking his career to the next level. It was at the top of the millennium that he’d started working closely with Griggs, who had been building his own connections within the industry as a special project manager for Warner Brothers Records.
Griggs had been promoting an event series called Chocolate Soul that was immediately beloved by the bohemian set in Atlanta. Nuwamba took advantage of the opportunity to perform every chance he could. Once the buzz for Chocolate Soul grew, Griggs started producing compilation albums by the same name, showcasing the artists who were crowd favorites (Raheem Devaghn, Eric Roberson, Cee Lo, Kindred the Family Soul) at the weekly festival. Nuwamba was featured on the Chocolate Soul’s Deluxe CD compilation. His “Take Me Away” is an ethereal ode to taking a moment away from the hustle and bustle of this fast-paced world and finding peace. His song “Forever” was a part of the This Is Soul 2006 compilation released by SoulBrother Records in London. Nuwamba’s music was also on the Soul Lounge compilation released by Lightyear/Warner. His work appeared alongside talented major artists such as Common, Mint Condition, Omar, and Conya Doss on the Luire Presents RELAxY Pocket compilation (Japanese release).
By then, Nuwamba had become Griggs’ primary artist on his fledging Chocolate Soul imprint, and while he worked on the label compilations, he was constructing his own debut album Above the Water (2006). Above the Water was a joint venture release between Griggs’ Chocolate Soul as well as Nuwamba’s imprint, BornSoulful Entertainment. Nuwamba’s talents were well-received by the public after the album’s official release. His singles enjoyed radio play on Dallas’s 89.3 FM (WSBJ), 94.5 FM (KSOC), 105.7 FM (WMJI). His music has also been played on the Terry Bello-hosted Soul Lounge- a syndicated show, available in nearly 20 U.S. cities. He’s also been on XM Radio, Delta Airlines radio and various Internet radio websites.
As a testament to his devotion to his fans, Nuwamba appeared as a special guest on 91.9 FM (WCLK) in Atlanta. He was featured in numerous notable publications including Vibe, Upscale, The Dallas Observer, The Urban Network, Billboard, Rolling Out, and he also covered his hometown’s Fort Worth Weekly. At home in Texas, he hit the ground running performing in every major city from Dallas and Fort Worth to Austin, Waco and Houston. He had a set at ClubOne-15 in downtown Austin as part of the SXSW Music Festival as well. Nuwamba’s passion and drive to move beyond what’s expected has taken him far beyond the Texas border. He’s been onstage in LA and New York. He’s blessed the microphone from Baltimore and D.C. to Atlanta and has even gone overseas with his talents to Kaiserslautern, Germany.
The venues that he’s performed in include Houston’s Kaveh Kanes Coffee House and the Temple Bar in Los Angeles. He exceeded listeners’ expectations in Dallas at Reciprocity, Sankofas, Phat Kats, Daiquiri Dump, Art Bar, Moon Bar, Hard Rock Café, and the Bali Club. He’d been performing at the Apache Café (formerly known as Ying Yang Café) in Atlanta since the start of his career with Griggs. Never one to limit himself, Nuwamba moved beyond club performances. He worked the TCU Football Tailgate Party with his soul-filled vocals and he’s opened shows for George Clinton, Sleepy Brown and Bobby Blue Bland. Nuwamba also participated in a mass choir performance that featured Kelly Price at Dallas’s Morton H. Meyerson Martin Luther King Show. After his album debut, Nuwamba took some time to re-evaluate his team and his career plan- the draining effects of the music industry warranted a change.
During this hiatus, Nuwamba experimented. He fiddled in house music, even collaborating with some highly regarded house DJs in creating song remixes. He came back to his music with a clear mind and a fresh perspective on the follow-up project, Unusual Takeover. The project will exude a mix of soul and R&B- appealing to an even broader audience, without completely abandoning the genre that’s brought him thus far. With his honeyed-voice and true-to-life lyrics, Nuwamba is planning on picking up just where he left off...ready and able to write-compose music that will move listeners to the core whether they’re listening over the airwaves or from a seat in front of the stage.
soultrain.com/2012/03/02/nuwamba-aint-nothin-like-the-real-thing/
“The industry is very weird right now, but I just gotta keep on pushing.”
Nuwamba is a like a scrapbook. He’s that reminder of what used to be; the passion and realness that artists and people you passed on the boulevard once possessed spills out in his music and in conversation. His 2006 debut album Above the Water announced that he had arrived, but the music industry was headed towards that weird space he speaks of and he ended up behind the digital curve, hustling to keep up.
Demetress Cook is a hustler; he grew up singing around the neighborhood, yet keeping folks at a distance as he plotted his assault on soul music. With each passing year he noticed that different elements of the music he had grown up on and loved dearly were fading away. Soul singers weren’t soul singers anymore; the lyrics to their songs were disconnected from the lives that those listening were living. These days, Nuwamba feels the ground moving beneath his feet as he and a host of other artists are leading a cavalry that’s deadest on turning the industry on its ear and reclaiming the greatness of “true” soul music.
“Unusual” was the first salvo in his personal war against the powers that hold back the soul star and the response has been phenomenal. He’s spent the last few months crisscrossing the states performing and doing press, gaining momentum as he prepares to release new music later this summer. Call it “The Unusual Takeover”, the album and his approach; he’s working from the back door through the house and touching the souls of its residence on the way. He’s connected with Ernie G. and Madukwu Chinwah (Erykah Badu’s Baduizm) as he tries to capture some of those fleeting elements.
Demetress “Nuwamba” Cook is a singer and father, a student and a man, constantly learning to improve his craft. He’s reaching the people from the studio to the stage, closing his personal digital divide via Facebook (Facebook.com/demtress.cook) and Twitter (@nuwamba), as he grows closer to those he writes music for…you and me. He doesn’t pop up on your favorite Pandora station (yet), but you’ll know when you hear Nuwamba, because it will sound like the real thing.
–Al-Lateef Farmer
Sunday February 19th - Soulstice Lounge Radio on WCOM - 103.5 FM
Interviewer: Kerisha Roi
Call in Time: 3:45 (EST) - 30 Minute interview
Call in: 919-929-9601
Based in: Chapel Hill, NC
Saturday February 18th - E.N.T Radio -- WOLB 1010 AM (Radio One Station)
Host: Raydio Twins
Call In Time: 2:30p (CST)
www.wolbbaltimore.com
Saturday February 18th – The Mellow Mix Radio Show
Host: Shani Elliot
Call In Time: 4p (cst)
www.wpbradio.com
Here are the Indie selects for the month of February. PLEASE, don’t just click and listen, pull out your cards, log into your Paypal, and SUPPORT these artists so that they can continue to make great music! Check them out. www.purifyingthemic.com/indie-album-review/
"The Diamonds & Caviar Gala"
Bermuda (Syncairly Yours Foundation)- Syncairly Yours Foundation will be hosting their first Diamonds & Caviar Gala to raise awareness about mothers and families effected by premature childbirth at the Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa in Bermuda.
January 13th-16th, 2012, celebrities will unite to support a cause very dear to their hearts in a celebration of giving back, embracing new life, and spreading global awareness about the rise and increase in the problematic influx of premature births and it’s affects.
The first celebrity to embrace this vision was the International Entertainment Mogul Qadree El-Amin. As a former manager for global superstars such as Michael Jackson, Vanessa Williams, Boyz II Men, and Janet Jackson, he has recruited a team of celebrities to attend the event and ensure that the message is well received by their industry counterparts.
A list of “who’s who” will be in attendance at this much anticipated event of the New Year. Diamonds & Caviar will be a private event where celebs lend their talents and support to shed great light on a worthy cause. Invited guest include Health Advocate news and legal correspondent Star Jones, Emmy Nominated co-host of the award winning talk show The Doctors, Dr. Lisa Masterson, Humanitarin, Holly Robinson Peete, former United States Ambassador for Health Dionne Warwick, Kate Gosselin from Kate Plus 8, actor Val Kilmer who’s donated his album to charity, actress and television producer Vivica Fox, 90210’s Trevor Donovan, The Protector’s Tisha Campbell-Martin, The Game’s Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tia Mowry from Tia & Tamera, Tony nominated actress Sanaa Lathan, Our Family Wedding’s Lance Gross, CSI Miami’s Brian White, actor Leon, Billionaire Jets, legendary musician Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, Damian Hall, Macy Gray, Marvin Gay meets Miles Davis’ Johnny Britt, Grammy Nominated singer/songwriter Melky Jean, X Factor’s Stacy Francis, Nuwamba, Salt N’ Pepa, Mint Condition, Full force, and many more.
http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com/mixtapes/mixtapedetail.aspx/the-indie-top-50-vol-78
Soul Comps Expose New Voices
By GAIL MITCHELL
Published on AllBusiness.com
Another compilation is tapping into the underground soul realm. And it's creating some buzz.
Like its predecessor, Glory Records' "Neo-Soul United" (Billboard, Nov. 8, 2003), "The Soul Lounge Vol. 1" seeks to expose artists who aren't on commercial radio's radar.
The set is also designed to satisfy the cravings of a disenfranchised audience that wants to go beyond standard R&B/neo-soul fare.
"The Soul Lounge" is the brainchild of radio veteran Terry Bello, who describes himself as "a PD in an A&R person's body." The collection features such independent acts as Marlon Saunders, Heston, Monét, Eric Roberson, Nuwamba and Urban Ave 31.
Released in February, the project is distributed through Lightyear/WEA.
Bello's radio background includes stints as assistant PD of top 40 WSTR and air personality at urban AC WALR, both in Atlanta.
Bello hosts the two-hour, Superadio- syndicated "Soul Lounge" and operates its Web site, thesoullounge.com. Both fall under his Atlanta-based company, Groovenation.
"I'm a real underground, alternative music lover," Bello says.
He contends that today's soul music needs a voice. "Classic soul is Tom Joyner. P. Diddy and Russell Simmons are hip-hop. This music has to be handled the way Berry Gordy did with Motown. Take it on the road with the artists hanging together like a family."
Using his show as well as the Atlanta market as his testing ground, Bello began compiling a list of artists for the project two years ago. His goal was to create a soul version of the hip-hop mix tape. It would set a tempo and be primed for radio but also have an edge that represented the underground-music fan's lifestyle.
New York retailer Bondy's Music stocks "The Soul Lounge" and "Neo-Soul United." Ish, Bondy's music buyer, says the store can sell 100 copies of such projects in their first two weeks, at prices from $9.99 to $12.99.
He notes that he sees more compilations for R&B than for soul.
Ish says "Neo-Soul United" contains more "real underground soul artists," while "The Soul Lounge" leans toward "radio-oriented songs. Terry has that background and ear for that, which is cool."
That's something Bello doesn't deny.
"I make sure I listen for the hits," he says. "When I first brought this to radio, they were like, 'I'm not going to touch this; bring me stuff I know.' So I do that, teasing them with an appetizer and then bringing in an Eric Roberson. We still live in a hit-driven society."
Either way, Ish agrees with Bello that soul music doesn't get the respect it deserves.
"Neo-soul by itself has a nice beat and it's cool. But it's a fad," Ish says. "Once neo-soul went commercial, radio targeted particular songs and overplayed the same songs.
"Soul artists are different from most R&B and hip-hop artists," he continues. "Soul artists are real musicians. Online and satellite radio are giving this music the most respect right now."
Among those on the satellite front supporting such endeavors is Shirley Hayes, PD of XM's "Suite 62."
"With compilations, you hear artists you might not otherwise hear," she says. "Instead of having to put 10 CDs in and search for one or two songs, here I have a chance to hear a lot of different sounds and flavors.
"I've been getting a good response to 'Soul Lounge,' " she continues. "Our listeners are different in that they're willing to pay for something they could get for free. They have a different focus when it comes to music. If they don't like something, they'll tell you."
Source: http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/miscellaneous-retail-retail-stores-not/4653083-1.html#ixzz1gSYP3uwU
THe Urban Network
A.Scott Galloway
Color me stunned. This debut album from Fort Worth texan Nuwamba (pronounced noo-wahm-bay) is thematically and musically awesome. With his tangy southern-spiced tenor voice, songs about love and the world today and a sound meticulously hand-packed with the complete package of what Black music has to offer, he is one of the few artists to deliver on the promise that his music is "contemporary yet timeless". An avid reader, Nuwamba clearly appreciates the power of words, but he's also no slouch when it comes to optimal musical accompaniment-bubbling fretless bass, mind-clearing Flugelhorn, bedrock rim shot boom bap and soulfullystrummed acoustic guitar playiung against a haze of precisionpicked wah-wah. Spin this CD from beginning to end, but ifyou must have highlights, checkout the breathtaking love song " Savior", the gently driving first single "Heaven", the modern times blues of the title track "Above the Water" and the supremely sensual "Tease". My sole quibble is with the intro (and this goes for many srtists and albums today). Stevie Wonder didn't have to forewarn us of the depth of Innerversions. When you dropped the needle on "Too high", it was instantly and abundantly clear. Start Nuwamba's discat track 3 and prepare to declare it among the finest of the year thus far.
Soul brother Records London, UK
Another very strong debut from the Texan singer which is in a simular style to Maxwell's 'Urban Hang Suite'. Slinky semi funky backing tracks compliment Nuwamba's soulful vocals. This is album, is good throughout but the highlights are 'Forever' a plodding mid tempo dancer, the floater 'Heaven' and the more uptempo dancer 'Sweetness' which has a relentless groove. Also check the slower 'Smooth', 'Take Me Away' and 'All Mine' and the D'Angelo infl title track. Brilliant
Please support Nuwamba
Nuwamba, “Unusual” - Free Download at MP3.com
mp3.com
Thirty west from the "Big D.," gives us a reason to highlight the "FW" in DFW. Let's learn more about the smooth soul man out of Forth Worth named Demetress "Nuwamba" Cook.
Below are ten (10) urban stations that Nuwamba is currently on the front page of their website. Please support Nuwamba, we are trying to get his music played on these stations. We are only one step away, he has already been placed on their websites now we just need them to play his music. Please pick up the phone and SFS! (Support Future Stars).
WJHM-FM Orlando, FL 101.9 407-919-1000 www.102jamzorlando.com
KSFM-FM Sacramento, CA 102.5 916-923-6800 www.ksfm.com
WLLD-FM Tampa, FL 94.1 727-579-1925 www.wild941.com
WMBX-FM West Palm Beach, FL 102.3 561-686-9505 www.thenewx1023.com
WZMX-FM Hartford, CT 93.7 860-677-6700 www.hot937.com
WPEG-FM Charlotte, NC 97.9 704-342-2644 www.power98fm.com
WPGC-FM Washington D.C. 95.5 301-918-0955 www.wpgc.com
WVEE-FM Atlanta, GA 103.3 404-898-8900
www.v-103.com
WNEW-FM West Palm Beach, FL 106.3 561-686-9505 www.b1063fm.com
WBAV-FM Charlotte, NC 101.9 704-342-2644 www.v1019.com
You can download through the link below. The interview ran throughout The Thanksgiving holiday weekend on www.RhythmAndSoulRadio.com.
Nuwamba - http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?9e2rc6thbi92baz
As the year rounds near,I am as always commited to bringing you sounds to uplift your heart...your soul...your spirit..Nuwamba indeed does this...
Nuwamba, whose name means November in the Nigerian language Hausa, is an extraordinarily innovative singer and songwriter of great depth and passion. His heart-crafted songs touch on a multiplicity of issues often overlooked by the modern music world and offers listeners an acoustic picture of life, love and the prospects of liberation from lifes challenges. Nuwamba Soul and R&B artist Nuwamba is an adventurous artist in more ways than one. First off, Nuwamba always demands originality from himself. Music that is patterned after the template laid by another is not speaking from the soul, the source of all great music. Nuwamba is unafraid to try new things while still capturing soulful sounds that make listeners come forth and stick around. He is also adventurous in the realm of the mind. He prefers music that elevates the soul and sends it shooting off into the cosmos.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/epiphanyshouse/2011/11/27/epiphanys-house-presents-nuwamba
…yeah, it’s a guy! Men need HAIRspiration sometimes too:)
I first came across this brotha on This is Real Music: http://www.thisisrealmusic.com/articles/61111/Nuwamba-Unusual.php
http://mynaturalreality.com/?tag=nuwamba
“Unusual” – der Mann, der über dem Wasser ist. Eigentlich ist er Demtress Dook, stammt aus Texas und gab uns im Jahre des Herrn anno 2005 mit seinem Debbut “Above The Water” den Glauben an die heilenden Kräfte des Nu-Soul zurück. Während man sich andernorts im karg-stoischen Rhythmus-Gestrüpp verirrte und dortselbst die gar wundersame Wirkweise einfachster Melodeien außer Acht ließ, besann sich der Cook genau darauf zurück. Als Nuwamba brachte er die Neo-Strömung wieder auf Kurs und ließ “Above The Water” in die vorderste Reihe der bemerkenswerten Aufnahmen dieser Zeit segeln. Nun gibt er sich “Unusual” und macht da weiter, wo er 2005 den Anker geworfen hatte. Ein ganzes Dick-Schiff unter dem Namen “Unusual Takeover” folgt in 2012.
http://www.sonicsoulreviews.com/2011/11/23/nuwamba-unusual/
Nuwamba: Life and relationships inspire me to write!
Sometimes you feel like you’re in heaven. You feel happy and you need to express your feelings! You are in the streets and you are listening a great song. You love the music, the lyrics, and the vibe! You love this artist because he speaks through your soul! He is Nuwamba whose name means November in the Nigerian language Hausa. He is an extraordinarily innovative artist and you can feel his passion, his power through his music! Nuwamba is an adventurous artist and Poping Cherry is happy to have him here. He talks about his life and his music and you want to listen! Close your eyes and feel again the power of music! (Interview: John Vlachogiannis)
Who is Nuwamba?
Nuwamba is a soul-singer from Fort Worth, TX. I am a father to two beautiful daughters. I would consider myself a renaissance man and intellectual man who chooses to express myself through my music. I’m back to my music with a clear mind and a fresh perspective on what my new album, Unusual Takeover, will finally sound like- a mix of soul and R&B- appealing to an even broader audience, without completely abandoning the genre that’s brought me this far. In short, I plan topick up where I left off. At the end of the day, my job is to write and compose music that will move listeners.
How is to grow up in a house full of music? What do you remember most strongly from your home?
Growing up in a house of music was quite natural because being African –American growing up in the inner cities we listen to music to help with our woes in life.
I remember my mother on Saturday mornings playing her records. It was mostly Quincy Jones ,Anita Baker, Earth Wind & Fire, and Frankie Beverly &Mayes. I remember trying to mimic those particular artists not actually knowing that I was really training my voice to sing.
What are your dreams and what are your fears? What you expect from the future?
My dreams are to become a philanthropist, acitivist, and a socialite who expresses my concern for the world through my music and any other project I put my mind too.
My only fear is failure, that I will not be able to achieve all my goals.
In future, I expect to be put out more music, and globally trying to make a change in the world.
Do you work on something new now?
Yes, I am currently working on my new single and it should be released in January.
Your music is really beautiful and addictive! How important is for you to create beautiful music? What inspires you to make music?
I think it is very important to write beautiful music because I want peoople to feel relaxed and gain a sense of calmness within their spirit.
Life and relationships inspire me to write. Also things that may go on in my current environment.
Do you have a message for PopingCherry? Do you have something you want to share with us? A dream? An expectation? A promise for your future?
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of you who bought my last CD “Above the water”, and if you haven’t heard it. Go buy it! Also, I hope you all enjoy “Unusual”, I had fun creating this sound, I’m getting my grown man on. Go to www.itunes.com/nuwamba and buy my music. Also look for more great music and the new album “Unusual Takeover” coming soon.
http://popingcherry.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/exclusive-interview-nuwamba-life-and-relationships-inspire-me-to-write/
*We all grew up with that person folks requested to sing any and everywhere; school, church, on the block, in the middle of your Uncle’s birthday cookout, it seems like “Sing a little something for us” was always the next thing said. Around Ft. Worth, Texas that person was a young man named Nuwamba, he took all of that encouragement and began plotting The Unusual Takeover. Nuwamba is a son of Soul music taking aim at radio and your iPod with a barrage of what we all grew up on and if his new single “Unusual” is any indication, he’s accomplished his mission.
The release of Above the Water in 2006 came just as the music industry was entering a shift in sound and in the marketplace, a shift that continues to evolve today, but is playing into Nuwamba’s favor as he’s able to control his sound and his team market him to those waiting for something soulful. Writing from experience and observation of the world around him, Nuwamba wants to deliver it how he sees it in his perfect pitch, but as honest to the culture as possible. His musical voice is one that’s missing from the conversation, because he’s writing for those in the struggle, those dealing with the “Same Ol’, Same Ol’”, a song he attests is hood tested and approved.
He’s attempting to connect with the people through his music, through the red tape and bureaucracies of radio, because he feels what we’re hearing today for the most part is not reaching the people where they need it, the soul. He’s put together a few grooves based on a true story, somebody’s true story, that he and his team feels deserves to be in heavy rotation on your favorite station or on your iPod. Sort of how “Unusual” was born out a conversation with a friend about situations they’ve been in, that’s real talk, real life, real music.
http://www.eurweb.com/2011/11/nuwamba-real-compared-to-what/
About the writer
Between rhetoric and reality is where you’ll find Al-Lateef Farmer; Black man, husband, social documentarian, and slinger of Soul by the pound. His brand of social commentary, rooted in independent thought can be found at www.worldaccording2teef.com and on Twitter @wrldacrdng2teef.
http://selectsoulshow.podomatic.com/entry/2011-10-28T09_03_09-07_00
http://www.podcast-directory.co.uk/episodes/r-b-crooner-nuwamba-debut-his-new-cd-unusual-oct-20-2011-16283083.html
LOTL-RADIO REBIRTH OF THE QUIET STORM | Blog Talk Radio Feed
Website: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/reginaldford
http://www.jayforce.com/music/nuwamba-unusual/
http://popingcherry.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/poping-cherry-presents-new-great-music-nuwamba-unusual/
Whenever I think about music from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, my mind instantly gravitates towards Erykah Badu and N'dambi. Well, singer Nuwamba is out to change that. Hailing from the Fort Worth side of things, it seems he has been bubbling under the radar for quite some time. Though his debut album, Above the Water, dropped in 2006, I was unfamiliar with him until he made his way into my inbox last week with his latest single, "Unusual." Smooth and mellow, the song definitely made me want to find out more about what Nuwamba has to offer. Check out the song to see if Nuwamba is putting Fort Worth on your musical map. And head on over to his SoundCloud page for more sounds.
funky-junky-biz.com
Nuwamba first came to my attention last year on the excellent Soul Lounge Compilation. Ok, he was overshadowed a bit by the likes of Seek, 3D and Paige Lackey-Martin, but “Heaven” was one of the tracks that really stood out and I’ve been forever hopeful that it wasn’t going to be a one-off. Fortunately, the wait hasn’t been too long and definitely not in vain as “Above The Water” heralds a comprehensive portfolio of what this talented native from Fort Worth, Texas has to offer. Now it appears that “Neo” soul artists are falling out of the woodwork, but this appears to be the real deal, delivering the healthy balance of jazzy, laid-back vibes with unconventional melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. The “Smooth Intro” usually wouldn’t get a mention, but the Maxwellian vibe it gives off does put you in the mood for what’s to come. Essentially instrumental with deep bass, sultry horns and distant falsetto vocals it’s the perfect track to ease you into the album. It’s just a shame it only lasts for 2:15, but on the upside, the “Smooth Outro” is substantially longer and eases you out at the end of the album. The Soulmix of “Tease” is an instant winner. The beats and vocals are reminiscent of Ter’ell Shahid’s “Butterflies” and the easy mid-tempo groove ensures that this has “classic” written all over it. “Forever” keeps it in the 80’s beats per minute realm. The Isley-ish “well, well, well’s” add that additional dimension of extra soulfulness. I absolutely adore this track for its smooth simplicity and the wonderful accapella exit is the icing on the cake. “Saviour” jazzes things down a touch. The horns, acoustic guitar and trippy beats are to be savoured like fine wine. The ideal chill-out track for home, bar or radio station. “When Words Are Spoken” is a spoken verse track (unsurprisingly), if you like your poetry with a twanging b-line that reminds you of New World Soul and lots of harmonised vox in the background then check this out, it’s beautifully done. But the defining tune at the moment has to be the enigmatic “All Mine”. This one of those tunes that’s so good it’s best for you to track it down and get a listen and let it surprise and beguile you as it did to me. “Heaven”, as referred to earlier, is no stranger to these parts. Unashamedly organic in composition, lyrical content and delivery, this deserves another chance to make something of its self, as it really is an exceptional vibe. “Put It Down” is more top notch stuff. Resonant bass and a faultless groovers tempo combine to inject your body with an urge to bounce. The title track “Above The Water” is a sweet fusion of retro soul and pseudo-old time reggae. The bass line keeps it nicely afloat while the strong vocals carry you along for the duration of what is yet another superb neo-soul jam. “Caught Up” has more of an edge to it, signified primarily by the fiendish cuts supplied courtesy of DJ Ernie “G”. The beat is upfront and funky and the b-line is round and chunky. A nice rap combined with the signature high purity vocals promotes this onto only the most essential playlists. A true neo-soul album wouldn’t be complete if there wasn’t at least one track that leaves you wondering about the accuracy of the title. “Sweetness” is a really sweet track, but considering that the most frequent words used are “I wanna groove with you…” you’d think that the title would be something based around that. But that is only a minor point, and it doesn’t detract from the track in the least. There’s an acoustic mix of “Tease” which strips it back for those who can’t take too much soul in one session. “Take Me Away" brings it back into gritty, urban soul country. Laid-back, lazy and emotive it’s the male equivalent to The Real Koffee Brown’s “Fly Away”. Finishing off with the Outro of “Smooth” it’s as polished as the Hope Diamond and an absolute must for anyone who counts themselves as a serious soul music lover.
Overall…Is It Funky?....Or Is It Junky?
It’s not just above the water….it’s way above the rest.
FW Weekly
The hottest new star on the neo-soul scene is a proud son of the Fort.
Feature: Wednesday, December 14, 2005
The national reviews for the album in magazines like Right On!, Upscale, and Urban Network have been raves. Critics have gushed about Nuwamba’s “heartfelt, Southern-spiced tenor” and called the c.d. “thematically and musically awesome” and “among the finest of the year.” Best of all, Nuwamba is seeing his name appear in those glossy pages alongside established artists in the urban/R&B/hip-hop firmament. The juxtaposition seems to say: “Isn’t this guy a big star already?”
And so for the last two years, Nuwamba has been speeding toward a future that family and associates hope includes big money, international acclaim, and other karmic rewards. The income from radio play, club dates, c.d. sales, and house parties — most of which occur outside the Fort in places like L.A., New York, Atlanta, and Philadelphia — as well as the odd survival job, has enabled him to buy his home in Frisco, which admittedly is a long drive from family and friends in Fort Worth, but also a place where an emerging national artist can get a lot more house for the money.
“I want to be the male Erykah Badu for Fort Worth,” he declares, referring to the Grammy-winning singer who’s maintained a home base in her native Dallas and continues to foster artistic development in that city’s African-American community. The confidence, the preternatural centeredness in Nuwamba’s voice as he checks off his plans makes it all sound not only do-able but somehow destined.
For the young man and his music, the outlook for the next 12 months is busy, thrilling, and uncertain. He recently returned to New York City to tape a featured interview and brief a capella performance for the Japanese radio show World MusiX Live From New York, which is syndicated on the country’s largest commercial network and has an estimated listenership of 10 million.
Above The Water starts with an MC asking us if we’re ready for one of these neo soul artists. Judging from the quality of Demetress “Nuwamba” Cook’s debut album he surely won’t be one out of many but a soul singer to reckon with in the future.
Nuwamba, which means “November” in the Nigerian language Hausa, takes us back in time with his mission to put the blues back into rhythm & blues. Those of you who are old enough may remember the days when R&B was a synonym for black music, i.e. soul and funk, and not just crappy formulaic pop. “A lot of the songs on this album are influenced by the blues, which I feel is one aspect of soul music that people don’t fully appreciate,” Nuwamba says. “The blues are the inner core of soul music.”
Demetress “Nuwamba” Cook’s music has a warm, organic sound. He has obviously studied all the eclectic masters in soul music’s history like Marvin, Curtis, Smokey or Stevie; luckily that didn’t prevent him to create his own style.
Nuwamba’s debut has it all, neo soul highlights like the Soul Mix of Tease, spiritual midtempo love songs like Heaven (which musicwise reminds me of Big Brooklyn Red from the Organic Soul 3 compilation) or food for thought like the funky title track Above The Water or the hip hop influenced Caught Up. When Words Are Spoken is a great spoken word track which shows that Nuwamba is not only a gifted singer. More food for thought comes with the hidden track, the so called Wise Words by Lyrical. Here we get some lamenting and criticism about the state of most Western societies that are in the stranglehold of neoliberalism with increasing surveillance and a reduction of fundamental rights or economic fascists like Lyrical puts it. Especially her remark “I hate to be here when the infrastructure crashes” has become a sad reality recently with numerous natural disaster like hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis.
Above The Water is a really impressive, musical and lyrical diverse album or in a nutshell one of the albums of the year 2005 that will stand the test of time.
Upscale October 2005
Neo-soul is the purgatory genre. If you are an urban singer whose niche falls somewhere in between classic soul and new-school R&B, then you are instantly pigeonholed as a replica of what once was. Complimentary? Yes. An advantage? No. However, Nuwamba carries the torch with a tinge of ingenuity and refreshing sincerity. A spirituous infusion of Dwele and Maxwell, his debut, Above The Water delivers spotless soul. " Forever " and " Savior " are near perfect Indian summer grooves and his deceptively simple lyricism delivers an intimacy that his hip-hop-dependent, R&B contemporaries should take note of.
Isoul H. Harris
The neo-soulster from Fort Worth, Texas, crafts easy-listening grooves about falling in lust and working hard for your baby with calming keys, jazzy horns, and lulling bass. Nuwamba nestles the essence of love in a blanket of soothing tunes.
Dallas Observer
By Quia Querisma
July 28, 2005
When you think neo-soul, chances are Fort Worth doesn't come to mind. Nuwamba, a soulful singer with an eclectic take on R&B standards, destroys Cowtown stereotypes with his debut album, Above the Water. He croons on mellow ballads in a raspy alto, sounding like a mix of Seal and D'Angelo, and tracks like "Forever" are full of instrumental breaks that provide the soundtrack to a Maxwell-style seduction; he sings softly, "Forever embracing you/Loving you, choosing you/For a lifetime of pleasure/Forever and ever." "Heaven," with its '70s-inspired drumbeats, keeps the romance going with lyrics like "Is it soft like the sands off the coast of Africa/My love, my love." Above consists mostly of ballads and midtempo grooves, so the only up-tempo song, "Caught Up," seems out of place, and the song's hip-hop-infused production tends to drown out Nuwamba's tale of surviving street life. But other attempts at diversity pay off, particularly "When Words Are Spoken." The spoken-word interlude by Dallas native Dr. Reiland Rabaka is a welcome addition to the album and upholds Water's soul-lounge feel. Even more refreshing are Nuwamba's subtler contributions to the album. He's credited with most of the production and all of the songwriting, proving there's more to him than just a sexy voice
coming soon
"The Diamonds & Caviar Gala"
Bermuda (Syncairly Yours Foundation)- Syncairly Yours Foundation will be hosting their first Diamonds & Caviar Gala to raise awareness about mothers and families effected by premature childbirth at the Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa in Bermuda.
January 13th-16th, 2012, celebrities will unite to support a cause very dear to their hearts in a celebration of giving back, embracing new life, and spreading global awareness about the rise and increase in the problematic influx of premature births and it’s affects.
The first celebrity to embrace this vision was the International Entertainment Mogul Qadree El-Amin. As a former manager for global superstars such as Michael Jackson, Vanessa Williams, Boyz II Men, and Janet Jackson, he has recruited a team of celebrities to attend the event and ensure that the message is well received by their industry counterparts.
A list of “who’s who” will be in attendance at this much anticipated event of the New Year. Diamonds & Caviar will be a private event where celebs lend their talents and support to shed great light on a worthy cause. Invited guest include Health Advocate news and legal correspondent Star Jones, Emmy Nominated co-host of the award winning talk show The Doctors, Dr. Lisa Masterson, Humanitarin, Holly Robinson Peete, former United States Ambassador for Health Dionne Warwick, Kate Gosselin from Kate Plus 8, actor Val Kilmer who’s donated his album to charity, actress and television producer Vivica Fox, 90210’s Trevor Donovan, The Protector’s Tisha Campbell-Martin, The Game’s Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tia Mowry from Tia & Tamera, Tony nominated actress Sanaa Lathan, Our Family Wedding’s Lance Gross, CSI Miami’s Brian White, actor Leon, Billionaire Jets, legendary musician Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, Damian Hall, Macy Gray, Marvin Gay meets Miles Davis’ Johnny Britt, Grammy Nominated singer/songwriter Melky Jean, X Factor’s Stacy Francis, Nuwamba, Salt N’ Pepa, Mint Condition, Full force, and many more.
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