Tonye (pronounced like Kanye) Aganaba might have dearly departed England for our fairer shores, as well as softened the edges of her accent over the last few years, but she hasnt lost her British wit.
At ease on the mic and in the classroom the young musician is also enrolled in entertainment business studies at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Film School shes known for being as sharp between songs as she is singing them.
Her band, local reputes The Foundation, bears the brunt of it.
I introduce [my drummer] as Paul Pretty Boy Clark at every show. He is literally the most gorgeous drummer ever, and better than that he is such a sweetheart, such a good man!
Okay, that may not sound like a razzing, but hed probably prefer the audience focus on his skills on the skins. Ahem...
Ms. Aganaba, in addition to being a dynamic guitarist and band leader, has guested on some seriously hot tracks the past year, which only ramped up anticipation for her recently released R&B and soul infused EP, White Wizard.
White Wizard is my mayan astrological sign, and basically people with this sign are born communicators, blessed with an ability to inspire others with their gifts, they create magic with our talents and use their skills to motivate and encourage others. When I read that, I couldnt believe how much it encompassed my hopes and dreams for myself.
After friend and bandmate Randy Ponzio passed away in November, Aganaba, 26, spearheaded the through her arts organization , compiling songs from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»musicians in tribute to the beloved musician to raise money for his three children. She is a rising star, leaving compassion and positivity in her wake.
Tapped to open for ska bastions The Skatalites at Venue this Thursday, youd could be fooled by her enthusiasm into thinking this was her first big gig.
Skatalites are legends! When I got the call asking me to open for them with my band, I was absolutely floored! Skatalites have played with some of the biggest names in the business, and its a real blessing to share the stage with them.
The seminal ska band from Jamaica, The Skatalites have backed the likes of Bob Marley and Toots and the Maytals over their 48-year career of frenzying the dance floor. The Skatalites are also using this tour to promote their Alpha Boys School Project which will collect instruments for that institution, one of the core schools for teaching music on the island.
But with every gig, Aganaba is in fact only padding her resume, having brought her Lauryn Hill/Chaka Khan-esque sound to everything from Save the Children campaigns to the famed Beirut Music Hall, and topping Beatports dubstep chart with her feature on Hirshees So Good.
Her excitement is contagious and so is her sound. You can catch Tonye Aganaba and The Foundation with The Skatalites at Venue (881 Granville St.) April 19th, 8pm. Tickets $28 at .
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