All Audio/Video Clips require RealPlayer. To obtain the RealPlayer click "Here".

Yewande (pronounced E-wán-day) is an Alternative Soul singer-songwriter whose music captures the essence of the human experience. Her Louisiana roots resonate lyrics that weave stories of long ago with the beat of today’s sound – Blues, Rock and Soul. Yewande’s birth name (Yoruba for “Reincarnation of Grandmother”) after all foretells her place amongst the great storytellers that will undoubtedly lead the music industry into a new era.

Classically trained in voice and piano, Yewande has already coveted international operatic debuts at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and commanded stages across the country with such contemporary legends as Jaguar Wright, Jennifer Holiday and as a touring member of Pure Soul. This young artist has only begun to change the course of music with songwriting that has earned top accolades from BMI (Urban and Acoustic), Songwriters Hall of Fame and recently positioned Yewande as a finalist in the Billboard Magazine/E.A.R.S. Talent Competition. Her earthy voice has garnered widespread public attention, including a stellar performance on B. E. T.’s prime-time show “106th & Park” and a position on Ford Motor Cars’ nationally distributed Soul Expedition Compilation CD featuring the nation’s top unsigned soul, blues and funk artists.

Currently residing in New York City, Yewande’s live command performances at the legendary S.O.B.’s, The Village Underground and Jimmy’s Uptown are evidence of her moving stage presence. And with international recognition on Soul24-7.com in London, England, Musician.com (U.S.A.) and New York’s own WBAI 99.5FM, the industry has only begun to witness this inspiring music revolution. Blues Song is a foot-stomping tune of love lost in a time long ago. Rapture is an uptempo rhythm and blues ode to new love. Dream is a funkdafied rock anthem of one girl’s journey to conquer fear and live her dream. Enough is a woman’s story of betrayal and struggle to regain her self-worth. And Rufus spins a folksy tale of one homeless man’s hope for a new life. Hear the voice. Feel the pulse. Listen to your heartbeat.

“A truly moving experience. There’s no reason to resist this siren’s songs.”
- New York Daily News

“Earthy and passionate…Yewande is a true artist and she’s about to become a star."
- Songwriters Hall of Fame

"A sound way beyond her years and exactly what is needed today."
- Music Review

“Soul-stirring, fresh and intelligent. A fresh force in a musically stagnant industry.”
- Honey Magazine

In an effort to increase brand awareness of it’s Ford Expedition among African American consumers and showcase independent soul artists, Ford sponsored the Ford Soul Expedition in conjunction with Powerhouse Marketing Group. The project produced a compilation CD of 15 independent soul artists, chosen after a nationwide search, and a mini-tour featuring some of the CD’s artists.

What does a showcase like this (Ford Soul Expedition) mean to your career?

Yewande: The entire Ford Soul Expedition recording project has been an exciting opportunity. As an unsigned artist, it’s one of those divine affirmations that I must be doing something right, that there is a place for the music that I create and believe in. I’ve already received emails from listeners across the country that, have heard my music through Ford Expedition advertisements or word of mouth.

Is your goal to remain an indie artist or ultimately sign with a major label?

Yewande: My ultimate goal is to be a phenomenal artist without compromise. I have no doubt that I could be a successful independent artist, but I do believe that there is greater access through a major label. My sound is a bit more alternative/blues/soul than it is R&B/Soul [think Tracy Chapman meets Nina Simone], so it requires another level of understanding.

What kind of impact would you like to see this initiative have on today’s music scene?

Yewande: Hip Hop music has dominated the charts over the past decade, if not longer, and for a long time has represented an extremely valid point of view – the voice of the streets. But it will never extinguish listeners’ desire for something more. The buying public has been completely underestimated by bogus radio and video programming. When powerful artists [mentions Erykah Badu, D’angleo, Lauryn Hill, India Arie] are recognized for their greatness, the buying trends inevitably shift. People know great music when they hear it. They feel it.

If the Tour were picked up by other cities, what type of venue is most appealing to you as a performer? Like Bohagers – where the event was open only to those invited to the showcase or Dream, where an already established set of club goers is being exposed to you fresh?

Yewande: I think a combination of the two would be great for future tours. The Ford Soul Expedition CD is already a great marketing tool, so why not bring new listeners who are excited about the promotion together with a staple audience. If it’s a venue whose audience really appreciates good music then they’ll come, just like at Dream, that was so hooooooot!

Where else can listeners hear your music?

Yewande: Listeners can visit me at Yewande.com . There’s a full listing of recent news, music, and upcoming performances. By early September, visitors can check out new songs that I’m finishing up with Joshua Nile and Jeff Smith. And currently in development is a new section featuring photographs and video footage of my live shows, interviews and a segment of my recent live performance on BET’s 106th & Park. Always building, always rising.