Basic Sketches For Beginners

Osunlade is an artist who
personifies art. His music as well as
his being creates unified melodies
manifested with balance, life and
wisdom. Hailing from St. Louis
Missouri, a place known for
pioneering blues, ragtime and jazz
as well. At age seven Osunlade
discovered the piano and the vision
of his life’s destiny was born. By the
age twelve he found an interest in
creating song. He later formed local
bands, taught himself several instruments and studied further the development of his craft.
His professional journey began in 1988, at age seventeen during a visit to Hollywood. He quickly caught
the ear of choreographer/performer Toni “Mickey” Basil. Offering him a role in the development of
musical pieces for several projects including the children’s television series Sesame Street. With her
encouragement he quickly moved to Los Angeles and began what would become a long history of music
production. A few years later he would produce the very first album for the then independent Interscope
Records. The artist was Gerardo, a long time friend and aspiring actor/dancer. “Rico Suave” one of the
very first Latin pop songs and novelty catch phrases to date was born. Now with a multi-platinum album
and four gold singles to his name, it wasn’t long before he was afforded many opportunities to master
his craft.
Within the next years and over twenty albums credited, Osunlade felt the pressures and practices of the
music business overshadowed his passion of music. He decided to no longer work under the influences
of corporate ideals and demands. Choosing to find spiritual solace and honor his soul, he was led to Ifa,
an ancestral based culture/religion based on nature, deriving from the Yoruba tribes of Africa and
practiced by the slaves during the Diaspora to America.
In 1999, Osunlade would embark on what is now his dream come true. The founding of Yoruba Records.
Recognized as one of the most important dance music labels worldwide, Yoruba Records is purely a
source of music created to elevate the soul.
As the success of the label grew, so did the demand for Osunlade to expand. In 2001 he released his
debut album on the respected Soul Jazz Records label. “Paradigm” quickly became one of the biggest
house albums that year and dubbed him the messiah of ancestral house music. With the support of DJ’s
worldwide and his music now introduced to a wider spectrum of listeners, this veteran
musician/composer/producer becoming the artist finally achieved balance within.
Now known for his legendary DJ sets, remixes and albums including several mix cd’s, Osunlade has
placed himself on solid ground maintaining his reputation of unparalleled quality in music.