Oct. 6, 2006 — Standing tall center stage at Island Center for the Performing Arts amphitheater, Yewande made her strong voice and presence felt by all the students lucky enough to witness her musical journey.
Yewande — which means "reincarnation of grandmother" or "mother come back to me" — is just that: an old soul in a young woman's body.
Friday's musical program, entitled "A Journey of Spirit: Rhythms and Rhymes," took students from Central High School and Arthur A. Richards and Elena Christian junior high schools on a journey like they have never experienced in their classrooms.
"She can sing," said Central's Karine Robles and Latoria Thomas. The 17-year-old students were amazed at the sound of Yewande's voice — both while she spoke and when it rang out in song.
Yewande, who describes herself as a "survivor of a very peculiar and flawed society," has become one of the most sought-after independent artists in the world. In addition to her solo appearances, Yewande has shared the stage with names like India Arie, Sean Paul, Black Eyed Peas and Enrique Iglesias.
Friday morning teachers encouraged almost 50 band, dance and history students to attend the culturally rewarding experience. Along with Pearl B. Larsen's Quadrille Dancers and Weed and Seed Banjo Players, Yewande took students on a journey from slavery to the modern day via music. "It's very nice," said 11-year-old Elena Christian student Lishandri Huches, adding, "I'm learning about my culture."
After beginning her musical lecture, Yewande asked the students for help as the program progressed. "When you are ready for the next step," she said, "I will ask 'Who got rhythm?' and you respond 'I got rhythm.'" Even though it took a bit of time for students to get involved, Yewande drew her audience in by letting her amazing voice fill the amphitheater until her spirit seemed to reach out and touch everyone.
Yewande is classically trained in voice and piano and utilized her knowledge of the drum and beatbox to entice students to take part. "There are three aspects to all music," she said in her sing-song voice, "melody, rhythm and rhyme."
Considered an alternative soul artist, Yewande is the founder of her own independent record label; her debut CD, "Evolution," was released in May. The educational, historical and artistic experience was not lost on any of the students.
"I like how she sounds," said 19-year-old Central High flute and piano player Daniel Bennerson. "She makes history interesting with her singing."
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