JOSEPHINE ONIYAMA

At just 18 Mancunian singer / guitarist Josephine Oniyama is looking forward to her first single release on April 16^th. The track Bus of Life comes out on Manchester based cult label Ugly Man, as a preview to her album “ A Smaller Version of the Real Thing” later in the year. Josephine has been recording with members of Homelife & other Manc based musicians and says she is ‘Very happy with the results’ The album features all her own music & lyrics, written since she was 13.

The Evening Standard said that with her “agonised lyrics, and strange catch in her voice” she “could well find fame”. Time Out calls her ‘A precocious new songwriting talent’ Her January 2001appearance on Charlie Gillets London Live show prompted an avalanche of calls from listeners wanting to know more about this unique talent. Modal 2001 paid her a great complement by inviting her to showcase her talents two years running. Her recent appearance at Londons 12 Bar Club prompted one hack to comment ‘ That was the most amazing gig I’ve seen for years!’ Every where she goes people are transfixed by her outstanding stage presence which leaves a warm, easy feeling, that they are witnessing the emergence of a great new talent.

Josephine recently represented Britain in an official millennium event ‘On The Line’ Combining musicians from countries on the Meridian Line, including the great South African Sibonglie Khumalo, Rex Omar from Ghana and Amadou & Miriam from Mali. She is about to go to Swaziland on a British Council trip, playing gigs in schools & venues for 10 days.

Josephine “sounds and looks like a British Tracy Chapman” according to Nigel Williams of the Times, reviewing Josephine’s role in On the Line, at the Union Chapel, Islington in October 2000.

Josephine recently opened the Liverpool Proms guesting with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. She toured the UK with US maverick Warren Zevon, performing at the Shepherds Bush Empire and Manchester’s Lowry Centre, as well as numerous other shows with artists as diverse as Hugh Masekela, the Crocketts and The Alpine Stars. She spent New Years Eve entertaining massive crowds in Albert Square, Manchester.

Her reputation is growing daily. She has the support of some major music journalists who have pledged to support her career. Josephine is looking forward to her first single release, followed by her album in the summer. With all this going on she can’t fail to find the success, that will undoubtedly come her way. Probably sooner rather than later.