Lynn Olagundoye

"Calgary's Lynn Olagundoye is a flawless, undiscovered and world class singer...Ms. O and her band are pure magic!" - -Jeff Monk

"Backed by a voice that is altogether sultry, soulful, feisty and feminine, Olagundoye can't help but deliver...
Having invested so much of herself into 'Africa Violet', Olagundoye's music reveals an artist brimming with talent and an understanding of just how good the sound of a human voice can be." - -Christina Lam

"The blend of soul, R&B and lounge sounds make the entire album nothing less than relaxing and enjoyable. Lynn's smooth vocals caress the listener's ears the same way Erykah Badu's or Lauryn Hill's vocals do. Lynn succeeds at sharing her observations of the human race through her soulful songs and has been getting much attention and radio play in her hometown. Definitely an album to get your groove on to." - -Melody Rogan

"Lynn Olagundoye shows this city what it's missing!"

"From the smooth opening harmonies of 'Beautiful' to the final groovy undulation of 'Get Down', [Africa Violet] announces the arrival of a true musical personality."

"With a voice to match anything mainstream R&B has to offer and a keen ear for subtleties most don't have, Olagundoye brings a sound reminiscent of acoustic soul songstresses India.Arie and and Jill Scott."

"It's a remarkable debut and gives an exciting glimpse into what should be a long and prolific career" - -Kenna Burima

"Local backup singer takes center stage with her spin on soul"

"Even without the comfort of a scene to work in, Olagundoye is making a name for herself."

"Africa Violet is a strong debut album, mixing elements of soul, funk, jazz, and R&B into a unique but familiar blend." - -Peter Hemminger

"Prepare to be wowed by Lynn Olagundoye and her debut CD Africa Violet!" - -Mike Bell

"In an age where the austere, mechanical piston thump of drum machines has come to dominate R&B, soul music doesn't sound all that soulful. That's why Calgary's Lynn Olagundoye is such a breath of fresh air!" - -Jordan Lane

"Calgary's Lynn Olagundoye blooms on Africa Violet, a ten-track project that fuses R&B and soul with a grab bag of jazz, roots reggae, rock and funk. Collaborating with funk/rock outfit Guerrilla Funk Monster, the overall production is a stylish affair. The singer/lyricist's groove-based music is on point -- classy, brassy and understated all at once -- joints like 'Beautiful,' 'Sunkissed' and 'Fly With Me' showcase Olagundoye's soul stirring penchant for good music." - -Ryan B. Patrick

SOUL SISTER -- Five years ago, the only way to hear Lynn Olagundoye’s smoky-smooth voice was to be a passenger in her car or a close friend. But since then, the 25-year-old singer has performed at packed local venues and events including the Alberta Sessions showcase, the Calgary International Jazz Festival and Afrikadey. Fusing the unique sounds of local band Guerrilla Funk Monster with her own hip hop and R&B flavour, Olagundoye’s debut album, Africa Violet (Absurd Machine Records, 2006), is an energetic record layered with rock and funk melodies and soulfully plaintive grooves. From tracks like “Too Bad,” an affecting lament on love lost, to the innocence of an idyllic relationship in “How Sweet It Is,” her lyrics resonate with emotion. “I just want people to be able to relate to what I’m saying, and to be
inspired by it,” she says.

For more information, visit africaviolet.ca. - -Lynda Sea

“[Lynn] is another example of an Alberta artist who has obviously put forward a very committed effort to develop an artistic career as a songwriter, as a singer, as a band leader and as an artist,” said Rutherford about why Olagundoye was offered one of the 20 coveted spots in the showcase.

“We recognize her work as being very interesting, very compelling and current, and consider her to be a very integral part of the Alberta songwriting community.” - -John Rutherford