Osunlade

Osunlade is a St. Louis-born DJ and producer associated with deep house, house, electronic and nu jazz. He is active under his own name and is linked with Latina Café, Teresa Jenee' and Nomadics.

Background and work

Raised in a musical environment, he becomes interested in music at an early age and, as a teenager in the 1970s, joins the cast of Sesame Street before later producing music for the programme. He also works in Los Angeles, where he collaborates with Patti LaBelle and Freddie Jackson, before moving to New York and founding Yoruba Records.

Style and influences

Osunlade is an ordained priest of the African religion of Ifá, and this spirituality informs his work. His music includes tribal percussion and draws on Latin and Brazilian rhythmic influences. Yoruba traditions also appear in the name of his label, in album artwork, and in track titles such as “Obatala y Oduduwa” and “Yemeya.”

Collaborations and releases

He works with artists including Roy Ayers, Nkemdi Amadiume, Salif Keita and Cesária Évora. His recorded output includes Aquarian Moon in 2006, Elements Beyond in 2007 on the revived Strictly Rhythm Records, and Passage in 2009.