PERFORMANCE BIOGRAPHY

A virtuoso of African rhythm music, Onye Onyemaechi, master drummer, percussionist and performer brings a powerful experience to audiences across the U.S. and Europe. A native of Nigeria, Onye creates original compositions that blend tribal rhythms with contemporary music influences. His multicultural blend of hypnotic trance-dance music inspires and uplifts others to celebrate diversity and awaken the native joy of the soul. Performing both solo and in ensemble, Onye’s artistry creates electrifying musical feasts and collaborations. "The echoes of the village drums penetrate the dancer’s psyche and operate in profound ways-familiar and mysterious," says Onye. "When people drum, laugh and cry, sing and dance together, they heal and feel joyful. Optimism is renewed! "

In full colorful native garb, Onye exhibits his mastery of a myriad of traditional instruments including the African congas and balafon, Gambian djembe, Ghanaian gongon, Nigerian flutes and percussion instruments, Nigerian and Ghanaian talking drum, Brazilian berimbau and Nigerian udo drum.

Onye is recognized as a pioneer, founder and producer of the original popular Ethnic Dance Saturday, a monthly cultural event to bring communities’ together-a tradition that continues today. His sold out concert at Humboldt State University Performance Festival electrified the John Van Duzer Theater with a celebration of human spirit. He has been a featured performer and choreographer of the Oakland Festival of the Arts, Bay Area Dance Series and Forest Meadows World Music and Dance Series.

His musical compositions and albums include Primal Adventures, Kodama, and Nnandi. He has been featured on NBC TV affiliate program Coming Together and the video and film documentaries: Of Sound & Healing, Search for Spirituality, and Jamaica Plain as well as the Wisdom Channel. Performing in the U.S. since the early 1980’s, Onye has been featured in Billboard Magazine as musical director of the ‘O Band’, Artistic Director and Business Manager of his own performance company, The Igbote Ethnic Ensemble, and performed on numerous radio shows nationwide and recorded at top studios such as Skywalker Ranch and Transformation Studio with Paul White. His major performances include First Night Boston, Cambridge Arts Fest, Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, Statue of Liberty Bicentennial Celebration (with his Igbote Dance Ensemble), Harvard University Cultural Rhythms concert, Uetliberg Museum Arts Festival in Switzerland and Stadttheater Neuburg A.D. Donau, Germany. He has also received recognition and appreciation from Sonoma County Cultural Arts Council. Ronald McDonald’s Children’s Charities honored Onye with the Award of Gratitude for "special recognition for outstanding participation in Family Fest 1988".

Onye offers for sale his CD: Nnandi and cassettes: Trance Journey, Primal Adventures and Beginners Hand Drum Techniques.

“Onye Onyemaechi is a remarkable talent. The spirit and vitality in his music bask the listener in a joyful glow.” Beth Maurence, KBAC FM

“Onye is a master of rhythm and a shaman who understands the healing powers of sound and music.” Ray Iasello, producer, Boston.

© 2000 Onye Onyemaechi. All Rights Reserved.

Onye's 3 CDs now available for sale at www.cdbaby.com
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