Born with an unusual name eclipsed only by her talent, Yewande (pronounced yee-wán-day) has been recognized as one of the most sought after independent artists in the world (www.yewande.com and www.youtube.com/yewandemusic). In 2005, her debut EP “Evolution” earned critical acclaim for her socially charged blend of Rock, Hip-Hop and Soul. This quickly led to appearances on MTV, BET, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and coveted performances with the likes of the Black Eyed Peas, India.Arie, Enrique Iglesias, Maroon 5 and Sean Paul. But during a 5 year hiatus from the recording industry, Yewande embarked on a one woman mission to change the world. Now she’s back to tell us stories of that journey on her highly anticipated full length album, “Rebirth” (2012).

Phoenix Records' "First Lady of Alternative Soul" speaks unapologetic truths about issues that many artists shy away from - race, poverty, war. And with powerhouse vocals that hearken back to the days of Tina Turner and Pat Benatar, she’ll make you a believer! Much like her progressive contemporaries — Prince, Lenny Kravitz, BOB, Black Eyed Peas, Seal, Kina — Yewande’s music defies categorization. "Life is colored with so many emotions — love, loss, struggle, triumph,” she explains. “My music is just a reflection of that raw connection we all share. I want to be remembered for writing songs about the human race.” One part storyteller, one part live band with the angst of Rock, a dash of Hip-Hop and a whole lot of Soul, “Rebirth” is a refreshing departure from formula driven artistry that so often trumps innovation. Her bold, lush new sound is like a carefully scored movie soundtrack with lyrics that reflect the journey of a lioness reborn.

The world has come to know Yewande as far more than a singer-songwriter but an award-winning lecturer, social activist and an honorary U. S. Cultural Ambassador for her commitment to using music for social change. With classical voice and piano training at Howard University and the prestigious Carnegie Mellon Conservatory of Music, most listeners would be surprised to know that Yewande was once poised for the Metropolitan Opera, but somehow corsets and high E’s didn’t fit into her master plan. As a child, she was inspired by artists like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Hendrix, and John Lennon whose music brought people of all backgrounds together at the height of conflict in America. And today her music is keeping that dream alive.

When she isn’t rocking the stage, Yewande empowers some of the world’s most vulnerable youth from Africa to the Americas through her humanitarian organization (www.changerocksfoundation.com and www.youtube.com/changerocksinc) and produces social justice programs on college campuses across the country. It is this inspiring movement that has won over a legion of music fans around the world.