Background
Living in the Manchester suburb of Hulme, Oniyama grew up in a colourful West African culture combined with the large musical heritage of Manchester which shaped her style.
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Josephine Oniyama
Edit ProfileCareer
She was playing gigs by the age of 15. During her college years she was further influenced by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Marley. In 2012 Oniyama released her debut album Portrait which was produced by Leo Abrahams.
The album also features co-writes with Jimmy Hogarth and Editor Harcourt.
The album was preceded by singles "What a Day" and "Original Love" (A-listed on British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 2). The album received positive reviews from The Guardian, The Times, The Sun, The Mirror, Q and Mojo.
The single "Portrait" was played on Radio 2 and was released at about the same time as the album. Oniyama appeared on "Later with Jools Holland" and the Andrew Marr Show and more recently performed live from Glastonbury on BBC2.
In 2012 Oniyama backed up Paolo Nutini, Michael Kiwanuka, Rodrigo y Gabriella and The Noisettes in live concerts.
She toured with Paloma Faith across her United Kingdom tour in early 2013 as well as undertaking her own headline tour in April 2013. Her festival appearances in 2013 include Glastonbury, T in the Park, Latitude and The Electric Picnic. The album Portrait was released in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on 5 July 2013.
In 2015 she contributed by singing on four songs on the jazz album Into Forever by Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra.
"Last Minute" (single) Label: Ark Recordings / Rubyworks Year: 2013
Portrait (album) Label: Ark Recordings / Rubyworks Year: 2012
"Portrait" (single) Label: Ark Recordings / Rubyworks Year: 2012
"Original Love" (Single) Label: Ark Recordings / Rubyworks Year: 2012
"What a Day" (single) Label: Ark Recordings / Rubyworks Year: 2012.
