king wawa

Wanda’s Picks
by Wanda Sabir

Wawa and the Oneness Kingdom

Wawa and the Oneness Kingdom are appearing at Kimball’s East on Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 and 10 p.m. From the drenched bodies I saw last month after they performed, the show was a huge success. The set, which started at 7:30, was still going an uninterrupted two, almost three, hours later when I arrived for the last song.

While nothing can compare with a live Wawa performance, the album did clue me into what I might expect, that and comments from fans and groupies whom I happen to know too. From Haiti, Wawa literally was forced into exile during the reign of the Duvaliers when he refused to lie on public documents about the working conditions in government-sponsored corporations.

Once in the United States, Wawa moved from New York to Berkeley, where he started a band, seven strong, a few of whom you’ll see from time to time on the bandstand. Wawa says that he has hundreds of songs. A vehicle of the ancestors, he says that they speak to him and he writes the songs. This is evident in “Haiti”; the man is definitely channeling spirit.

The first track on the 1998 album, which for anyone interested in the history of this first free African nation in the Western Hemisphere, born 200 years ago, on Jan. 1, 1804, when Haitian slaves defeated Napoleon’s army, then lays it out in no uncertain terms. Singing in Creole, Wawa calls out the names of Tonton Boukman (King Boukman), Tonton Dessalines (Jean Jacques Dessalines, Haiti’s first Emperor), Toussaint L’Ouveture (one of the generals) and the places these important events took place, all the while encouraging the listener to liberate him or herself from tyranny and oppression.

Three other songs, “Voyem’ Alle,” “Clean Up Your Backyard,” and “Everything’s Upside Down,” also speak to the fact that the world is being run by corrupt governments, especially this one - even though the composer tactfully doesn’t name names.

Wawa sings about love and politics; however, it’s his political songs that I find most inviting rhythmically and lyrically, whether he’s singing in Creole, French or English. Shifting from continent to continent, Wawa’s vision really encompasses the oneness of the African spirit, whether it is here or elsewhere.

With family in Cote d’lvoire and Venezuela, as well as the U.S. and Haiti, the singer-songwriter is obviously inspired by African people, be they Aretha Franklin and Miriam Makeba or Kool and the Gang or Bob Marley. A former percussionist with the Burning Spear Band, as a kid he played in the streets with a popular youth band, Lobodia.

However, the roots of his playing, whether that’s guitar or percussion, are found in the countryside where his grandparents lived. “I grew up with music all around me,” he says. “It was just natural for me to play - guitar, percussion - and sing.”

At Kimball’s East, 5800 Shellmound, Emeryville, (510) 658-2555, Wawa will be playing his Dahomey drums, his electric guitar and of course singing. There’ll be dancers and other guests. Wawa and his seven to eight piece Oneness Kingdom Band like to party and so will you. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

http://www.sfbayview.com/O9I7O3/wandaspicks091703.shtm1
- Wanda Sabir

King Wawa and the Oneness Kingdom Band. Kimball's East. 8pm, $12.

Haiti was the world's first free black republic when it won independence from France in 1804. Sadly, though, the struggle of the Haitian people against virtually insurmountable oppression has never ended. But it is one of the most Afro-rich territories in the hemisphere, with complex musical traditions, and in the recent Aristide revolution years, a new generation of musicians like Boukman Eksperyans has brought rock and reggae into Haiti's musical fold. Here in Berkeley, resident Haitian singer-songwriter King Wawa stylistically represents this new school on his debut recording, Oneness (Waldeck Productions). With reggae and soca influences and a French and English mix, King Wawa presents uplifting themes of social struggle, personal growth, and unity. Singer-guitarist King Wawa works with percussionist Kenneth Nash tonight, promising an evening of infectious, feel-good grooves. - Chuy Varela

King Wawa and the Oneness Kingdom Band.

Two years ago Haitian singer-songwriter King Wawa launched a debut recording titled "Oneness" on his Waldeck Productions label in Berkeley. It was an impressive release with reggae and soca influences and a bilingual French and English mix, presenting uplifting themes of social struggle, personal growth, and unity. Working with percussionist Kenneth Nash, King Wawa is featured on guitar and lead vocals on original songs with an infectious, feel-good groove. Now King Wawa and the Oneness Kingdom come together for a rare live performance ready to bubble and boil the dance floor with Caribbean beats. 8pm. Kimball's East, 5800 Shellmound St., Emeryville, 658-2555. - Larry Kelp

Don't miss King Wawa at what sounds like a worldbeat percussion show extravaganza at Kimball's East in Emeryville February 17. Since arriving in the Bay Area from Port-au-Prince, Haiti King Wawa has lit up the local music scene with his percussion and song writing skills and has performed with the likes of Judy Mowatt, burning Spear, The Meditations and the Caribbean All-Stars. He has also played drums for local and international dance companies, schools, and community organizations, graciously donating his time in many cases. The Oneness Band, released the album "Oneness" to some acclaim back in 1998. - Diane Adam

King Wawa and The Oneness Kingdom Band Perform at Kimball's East.

The spirit of Haiti took center stage when King Wawa and The Oneness Kingdom Band gave a lively performance on September 20th at Kimball's East in Emeryville, California. Lead singer and percussionist King Wawa sang his heartfelt and original songs in both Creole, French and English with "Haiti", "Liberty", "Homeland" and "Clean Up Your Backyard." He also performed the song "Liberty" which bestows respect and honor for all the people who fought for Haiti's independence. It was the beautiful "Voyem M'Alle" that captured my attention and admiration as King Wawa sang in French Creole the song which ardently cries out "send me home." It was a night of celebration. The beautiful dancer Novuyo captivated the audience with her African ritual dance while King Wawa joined her playing his jembe drum. The Oneness Kingdom band members kept the rhythm flowing nicely. Due to the skill of Tony D on drums, Wayne Anderson on lead guitar, David Laub on bass, J.T. and John Bentum on keyboards, Adam Jenkins on tenor, alto, soprano sax and on flute and background vocalists Sunrise and Alexine Braun (who also doubled on alto sax). If you missed this performance you can see them perform again on October 10th at San Francisco's Last Day Saloon and on November 23 they are back at Kimball's East for a return performance.

- Diane Adam

King Wawa and The Oneness Kingdom
Oneness
(Waldeck Productions)

Besides the irresistible dance floor groove of Haitian compas, another musical style that combined seemingly disparate elements such as vodou rhythms and rock guitar emerged in the '80s as rasin (roots music). Popularized by groups like Boukman Eksperyans, Samba Yo, and later by Boukman Guinen, rasin's lyrics addressed a wide range of political and social issues, including government corruption and repression, and with its powerful and complex rhythms, it eventually grew to rival compas in popularity at the Haitian "kanaval." The signing of several rasin bands to U.S. labels (and those groups' extensive touring) has resulted in an exposure of the music to a large non-Haitian audience worldwide. It has also opened the door to further musical experimentation.

A fine example of such musical synthesis is "Oneness" from King Wawa and his Oneness Kingdom Band. Not strictly Haitian music, the overall sound is rather "tropically unique" as the CD's liner notes suggest, an agreeable blend of Caribbean styles that never loses a Haitian identity. There is enough variety here to appeal to fans of rasin yet enough English lyrics (and some pretty monster grooves) to make the music accessible to a wide audience.

A female chorus gives just the right touch of rural creole roots to the catchy opener, "Haiti," (a wake-up call to the plight of the nation) and to "Voyem'm Alle," a neotraditional folk melody about a guy laid up sick in the hospital. He doesn't need medicine but rather to be sent home to his island and its simple pleasures. My favorite cut, "Mighty Oneness," with its pulsating bass and gospel chorus intro, is a high-energy scorcher somewhat reminiscent of Ziggy Marley's groundbreaking late '80s release, Jahmekya.

On "Poor Man" King Wawa becomes the medium through which the homeless outcast, the "sans famille" speaks. Derided by society, this man still respects himself and demands the same from those who would push him aside; in his own words he has "great personality." Again the female vocals are used effectively to reinforce and embellish the melody. "Clean Up Your Backyard" is a thinly disguised message aimed at U.S. foreign policy and the constant meddling in smaller countries' affairs. The thoughtful lyrics are supported by a pumping bass line, punchy horns, and a sophisticated vocal delivery. "Everything's Upside Down" is an interesting take on the Haitian classic "Panamam'm Tombe" with English lyrics.

Although at times King Wawa's vocals waver a bit, and there is an occasional awkwardness with the English delivery, these aspects are reduced to mere idiosyncracies beside the honesty and insight of the lyrics, the strength of the rhythms, and an overall one-world feeling. This CD has the added distinction of being produced in California, making it a decided rarity in an industry dominated by either Port-au-Prince or U.S. cities like Miami, New York City, or Boston. I'm reluctant to compare bands, but I'll say that fans of RAM's progressive vodou-rock sound will definitely enjoy "Oneness" and then some. - Brian Dring

I'm always intrigued and rarely disappointed by Haitian artists who reach out with a vision not only to the Haitian community but to all listeners. King Wawa with his Oneness Kingdom Band is such an artist. Their cd "Oneness" (Waldeck Productions) is not strictly Haitian music but rather "tropically unique" as the cd notes suggest, an agreeable blend of Caribbean styles which never loses a certain Haitian identity. A female chorus gives just the right touch of rural creole roots to the catchy opener "Haiti," (a wake-up call to the plight of the country) and to "Voyem'm Alle," a neo-traditional folk melody about a guy laid up sick in the hospital, when what he really needs is to be sent back home to the simple pleasures of his island. The cut "Mighty Oneness" also succeeds with its pulsating bass and gospel chorus intro.

On "Poor Man" King Wawa becomes the medium through which the homeless outcast, the "sans famille" speaks. Derided by society, this man still respects himself and demands the same from those who would push him aside. Again the female vocals effectively reinforce and embellish the melody. "Clean Up Your Back Yard" is a thinly disguised message aimed at U.S. foreign policy and the constant meddling in smaller countries' affairs. The thoughtful lyrics are supported by a pumping bass line, punchy horns and a fairly sophisticated vocal delivery.

Although at times King Wawa's vocals waver a bit and there is occasional awkwardness with the English delivery, these aspects are reduced to mere idiosyncracies beside the honesty and insight of the lyrics, charm of the melodies, and overall positive feeling. This cd has the added distinction of being produced in California, making it a decided rarity in an industry dominated by either Port-au-Prince or eastern U.S. cities like Miami, New York or Boston. I'm reluctant to compare bands, but I'm almost certain that fans of RAM's sound with enjoy King Wawa, and then some. - Brian Dring

King Wawa and The Oneness Kingdom Band (OKB) are bringing the RESPECT MOVEMENT to the Bay Area and the world community. The newest song entitled "Respect Each Other" due out this fall, 2005, is the seed of his Respect Movement campaign. It is the spiritual soundtrack to deliver the healing power of love and humanhood to all. The essence of this music is to bring enlightenment to the soul, heart, the body, and the mind with the unique purpose to take us to a sea of Higher Understanding and communication, not only with ourselves, but with the Universe, from which we receive all life.

King Wawa was raised in both the Haitian countryside and the city of Port-au-Prince, where he was surrounded by popular, traditional and folkloric music. From its earliest beginnings on the Continent of Africa, the music in King Wawa's spirit has been passed on through generations and generations of his ancestors and has been transported to Haiti where his family has continued to express and pass on the musical tradition. It has been a life mission of King Wawa to bring ancestral music to the world's people, and by his music, to preserve the vibrancy and vitality of all indigenous cultures.

As leader of the Oneness Kingdom Band since 1994, King Wawa has performed at many well-known clubs, festivals, and events and has toured California, Haiti and the northwestern United States, and has recently traveled to Japan, Canada and New York for a few musical guest appearances. King Wawa is not only an accomplished singer, percussionist, guitarist, and songwriter - he is passionate about spreading a message of spiritual enlightenment and well-being to all people. Singing songs of peace, love, social justice and politics, King Wawa uses his music as a vehicle to raise awareness of not only the Haitian people's economic and political hardships, but all communities in need from all over the world. He does this with joy, authority, and authenticity while bringing together listeners of all backgrounds and nationalities.

When King Wawa left Haiti, he continued his musical pursuits in New York City, where he was moved by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Patti La Belle, The Isley Brothers, The Neville Brothers, George Clinton, James Brown, and Jimi Hendrix, but the singer-songwriter is especially inspired by the world beat musicians Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Massekela and Bob Marley. Haitian musicians Weber Sicot, Nemour Jean Baptiste, Coupe Cloue, Tabou Combo, Lobodia, Peuple S'ammuse and Boukman Eksperyans have made a significant impact on King Wawa's sensibilities as well, but "it was really a band called Jazz Des Jeunes that opened my mind and revived my spirit when I was a kid growing up."

The Oneness Kingdom is an original band skillfully flavored with a distinctive variety of music destined to transport the listener to a different world. Their music includes the rhythmic, soulful sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa. The sound is tropically unique with a magic pulsation agreeable to the heart and powered to make you dance.

Following the success of their first album "Oneness" released in 1998, King Wawa and The Oneness Kingdom Band plan to debut their sophomore project, "Respect Movement" this fall. "OKB is all about respect, working together and being yourself" chimes the soulful singer. "It's the name of the movement."

Speaking of movements, last year, 2004, commemorated the bicentennial celebration of Haiti's independence, when Haitian slaves fought with valiance and determination to rid the land of all European plantation owners. On January 1, 1804, the country was declared independent from French rule, making Haiti the first black republic in the world and the first independent nation in the Americas.

The Haitian Revolution was a remarkable phenomenon and is of great importance to people concerned with revolutionary class struggle, colonialism, and black history. King Wawa and the OKB hope that bringing this history to light will serve as a pathfinder and a valuable guide for the anticipated growing number of people who are interested in the Haitian Revolution and in honoring this heroic struggle in world history.

Whether or not Haiti's historical landmark speaks to you intimately, King Wawa's music will most certainly take a hold of your being, both physically and spiritually. Our own personal revolution towards enlightenment awaits every one of us, and "Respect Each Other" can guide all of us there in harmony and good vibrations. It is King Wawa's belief that when we respect ourselves and we respect others, the world is a better place for all humankind, and this will leave a safer path for our children to follow. - Fill In