Bio

In 2009, Barbara Gwanmesia stepped up a  floor-level stage at a Dutch seaside resort to sing to a select collection of business, political and media professionals.  She had been hurriedly called in ( as hers was the only name embassy officials could think of when asked on short notice to produce an A list  performer), to herald into the country a visiting political personality and to belt out the South African national Anthem. Cameroonian-born Barbara Gwanmesia opened her mouth and the world stood still. She sang with no instruments, no musicians, no other sounds. She blew the minds of listeners, promptly turning powerful men and women of business, politics and media into instant  fans.  But this was not the first time that the mystery singer of that evening had wowed and stunned audiences – an accomplishment that had already earned her descriptions from nightingale, healing voice to golden voice.

In 2011, an important event changed the quiet course of Barbara Gwanmesia´s musical life:   her meeting with Holland´s entertainment entrepreneur Guno Zwakke. As a team of professionals (including the brilliant Road Manager, percussionist and organizer Audrey Wilson) gathered around Barbara Gwanmesia,  it became clear that an exciting happening was in motion and that the world was and is at the verge of a phenomenal new extravaganza.

For those charmed by Barbara Gwanmesia´s sensational voice, their ranks include one of New York´s most celebrated and sought-after  producers, composers, and remixiologists: Jephte Guillaume. The eclectic and multidirectional instrumentalist, and CEO of New York´s Tet Kale Records  who is now working with Barbara has not only worked with some of the world´s biggest artists from Soul,  to R&B,  to nu-soul, to Hip-Hop, to Pop, to Gospel, and others,  but has done official remixes for major world artists.

Also working with Barbara is one of Holland´s hottest  DJs – the soulful DjDiephuis (Barend Jan Beljaars) -  a staple on the Dutch and international house scene. Dj Diephuis is now working with some established names in the industry worldwide and is fast becoming one of the most sought after-Djs and remixers on the Dutch House and club scene. Looking to the magic of Barbara´s dramatic stage performances, one sees timeless collaborations with music–maestros such as Senegal´s  master percussionist Serigne Gueye, and Gambia´s unstoppable Ebou Mada Gaye.

The occasional confusing of Barbara Gwanmesia´s voice with that of Myriam Makeba´s  in some of the late diva´s work, comparisons of Barbara´s sound to that of the veteran Salif Keita in some renditions,  and Barbara´s ability to belt out unique notes, make her both recognizable and stunningly unique.  Deeply spiritual and fiercely conscious, it is no surprise that Barbara Gwanmesia writes songs of historical relevance, social consciousness, and the accountability of the human to the divine. From working with some recognizable names in the music industry to gracing 5 star occasions, Barbara Gwanmesia remains one of the most humble, gracious and unassuming explosives on the music scene today. And now the wider world is about to experience her.