Help Sis. Omelika Produce Soaring High the Album

Greetings!

I am Omelika Kuumba, an award-winning female djembe player in Atlanta, GA with over thirty years of experience as a dancer, percussionist, choreographer, musical arranger, writer and cultural arts educator. Performing with a plethora of artists as a background vocalist, dancer and percussionist has given me a wealth of experience and a great appreciation for how music and art are food for the spirit . In April 2021 I premiered Soaring High Under the Tent at the Alliance Theatre. The performance featured some of my original songs. The response from the audience and the band was so amazing that I was motivated to record.

I'm raising funds to produce Soaring High, the Album. Blending elements of contemporary soul, house, neojazz, and reggae, Soaring High is the perfect score for your day. An auditory adventure, this debut release of songs penned by me features smooth vocals, bass guitar, djembe orchestra, drum set, flugelhorn, flute, keyboard, miscellaneous percussion, saxophone, trumpet, and violin and brings messages of affirmation, light, love and power. In addition to traditional West African songs, my lyrics sung by Andaiye Scott, LaTonya Peoples, Edward Chief Menifee, II, Romero Beverly and me bring to mind aspects of African American and Diasporic experiences, appreciation of nature, challenges, family values, joy, love, triumphs and more. I call it Message Music. It is encouraging, thought-provoking and validating.

The band includes Akumba Ashanti, Ali Barr, Romero and me in the djembe orchestra, along with Chief on bass guitar, Ali on flugelhorn and trumpet, Romero on congas, miscellaneous percussion and talking drum, Grammy Award Winner, Carlos McKinney, on keyboard, Carol McKinney on flute and saxophone, Grammy Award Nominee, Gayelynn McKinney, on drum set, LaTonya Peoples on violin, and me on miscellaneous percussion.

In order to make this album consisting of twelve selections come to fruition I need your help. Your financial support will go towards the following costs:

• the artists

• audio engineer

• cover art

• distributing

• drum set rental

• duplicating

• legal

• mastering

• mixing

• packaging

• photography

• recording studio

• refreshments

I plan to record in the beginning of September and look forward to producing an album that will encourage and uplift listeners. Being able to share my musical inspirations with a world-wide audience in a long-lasting way is very exciting. Your generous donations, for which I will be most grateful, will allow me to release the album in the beginning of December. Below are some perks you’ll get for your contributions. There is no amount too small or too large. EVERY gift will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

• $15-$25: Thank You Note

• $26-$35: Thank You Note, 1 CD

• $36-$50: Thank You Note, 1 CD and 1 Ticket to Album Release Party

• $51-$65: Thank You Note, 1 CD, 2 Tickets to Album Release Party

• $66-$100: Thank You Note, 1 CD, 2 Tickets to Album Release Party, and 1 T-shirt

• $101-$250: Thank You Note; 2 CDs, 2 Tickets to Album Release Party, and 2 T-shirts

• $251- $500: Thank You Note, 2 CDs, 2 Tickets to Album Release Party, 2 T-shirts, and Listing on CD Cover

• $501- $1500: 2 CDs, 2 Tickets to Album Release Party, 2 T-Shirts, Listing on CD Cover; Listing in Digital Program

• $1501- $10, 000 : 2 CDs, 2 Tickets to Album Release Party, 2 T-Shirts, Listing on CD Cover, Listing in Digital Program, A Presentation by
Sis. Omelika for a non-profit of your choice in your city

• $10,001 and Higher : 2 CDs, 2 Tickets to Album Release Party, 2 T-Shirts, Listing on CD Cover, Listing in Digital Program, A Presentation by Sis. Omelika for a non-profit of your choice in your city, Host a Soaring High in Concert in your  city