ASHEBA
Singer/Songwriter/Storyteller
ASHEBA was born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. His love for music began at an early age as he was influenced by Carnival, the spectacular festival of Trinidad. He first started singing with his primary school choir and progressed over the years forming his own band, The Creative Ones. He later began singing calypsos with fellow Calypsonians in his community and took part in the Independence Calypso Competition making it to the semi-finals. He also learned to play the steel drum, Trinidad’s national instrument, and had the opportunity to play with ‘Phase 2 Pan Groove’, one of the top steel bands in the world.
Asheba moved to the United States In 1989 to develop his craft. He worked at the ‘The Bottom Line Cabaret Club’ in New York City, where he washed dishes. He later joined the subway program, ‘Music Under New York’ (MUNY) during 1991-97 which resulted in him being featured on Clay Dog Records compilation CD, ‘Street Dreams’.
In 1997 he moved to Las Vegas after being selected to perform in ‘MADhattan’, a musical variety extravaganza about NYC street performers. The show was produced by Feld Entertainment for the New York New York Hotel and Casino. He also hosted a show for children at the House of Blues educating them about the history of ‘The Blues’.
Asheba moved to Oakland, CA in 1999 where he worked as an entertainer and baker. Focusing on young audiences, he played open air markets, street fairs and birthday parties while fine-tuning his show to be more family oriented with a strong emphasis on reaching preschoolers. Asheba produced a children’s show that he performs regularly at the famed Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center in Berkeley, CA. He also produced the score for a children’s theatre production, ‘The Caribbean Adventure of Anancy the Spider and Friends’ at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland, CA. His first children’s CD, Go Itsy: Music for Kids Caribbean Style, was produced in 2002 and won a 2005 NAPPA Gold award. Next, in 2004, Asheba released No More Monkeys: Children’s Songs by Asheba.
Asheba has become one of the top world music artists, recognized by critics and Putumayo World Music. His song “Little Anancy” was chosen for inclusion in the Putumayo Kids CD, “Caribbean Playground.” Putumayo also chose his song “Reggae Lullaby” for the new family release “Reggae Playground.” He is the headliner for the national Putumayo Reggae Playground concert tour in 2006.
Asheba’s newest release is Children Are the Sunshine, celebrating the light that children shine everywhere. This new release reflects Asheba’s colorful Caribbean heritage more than ever. He is presently working on new material and plans to record a new CD and music video in the fall for 2007 release. His busy concert schedule ventures around the Bay Area and beyond.
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