Gwen & Tiana

Gwen & Tiana on ubuntu music

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the continuation of its relationship with Gwen & Tiana, for the release of their next album, African Time, Live in Switzerland, which will be released digitally worldwide on 5th February 2021.

Award-winning artist, Gwen & Tiana is an explosive duo of « afro-optimist » singers. Every time they go on stage, you can sense something special in the atmosphere. Time stands still as they spread their positive vibes and contagious joy with their audience.

Just like the two singers, their music reflects its diversity and cultural crossing. It's a chemistry between energetic African rhythms and jazz harmonies, performed by powerful soul voices. In an atypical journey between Africa and Europe, Gwen & Tiana delivers optimistic songs that celebrate love of self, of Africa and of life.

Gwen & Tiana’s debut album, African Time, released by Ubuntu Music in April 2019, is a poetic and melodious break, produced by the Nigerian-British jazz guitarist Femi Temowo. Musicians on the album included Oli Rockberger, Michael Olatuja, Soweto Kinch, Keyon Harrold and Grégoire Maret.

In November 2019, at the All Africa Music Awards in Lagos (Nigeria), the duo won the award of Best Artist in African Jazz.

Gwen & Tiana explain, “It's been four years since we wrote the songs of our debut album ‘African Time’ with Femi Temowo and Jo Güstin. Since then, we had such a blast playing these songs live with our amazing musicians and friends. These melodies and stories finally took us from our small flat in Warsaw, to all over Europe, Africa and Asia. After the release of the studio album last year, we felt like sharing a live version of some of our songs. We love the idea of sharing the vibe we create on stage with people from all over the world, wherever they are.”

The audiences feel something special, something gripping every time Gwen & Tiana perform. The chemistry between the two, the smile at one another and their love of their African heritage, soul music, jazz combined with their love for each member of the audience creates an infectious, spiritual vibe.

Gwen & Tiana continue, “The release of this live album with Ubuntu Music is for us a testament to the bond we have between us. The beautiful relationship we have with Martin since we first met is so unique. His presence in each step of the process always gives us strength and confidence. Above our common passion for music and people, we have a mutual love and respect for each other. All these things lead us to continue this journey growing stronger together. We feel so grateful to have Martin by our side. Thank you for who you are.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his views, “Gwen & Tiana are two exceedingly special people, with a spiritual grounding that lies deep within their African roots. They are amongst the kindest, most optimistic and hardest working artists I know. And All of this is reflected in their music, which achieves the highest articulated level when performed live. And this album captures exactly that. It’s so special to be bringing this vibe to the world, particularly during these difficult times. Gwen & Tiana are and continue to be a loving part of the Ubuntu Music Family.”

TIANA

Tiana grew up in Cameroon, lulled by the Jazz and Soul music her parents would listen to. She developed her passion for music at a very young age, when she studied the classical piano. Her growing curiosity led her to join African and Gospel choirs. Guided by her love for music, during her graduate study, she was part of several musical shows and even wrote and staged a musical. After graduation, she entered the Conservatoire de Musique de Lille where she developed her musical knowledge.

GWEN

Ever since he was a child, Gwen had been immersed in the effervescent world of gospel music, a few years before he discovered soul music. His first steps as a music professional were made in Gabon, where he worked with gospel artists from his area. Then he went to France where he gave new impetus to his musical career. He worked with many gospel artists and together, they toured France, Holland and Germany. Then he joined a jazz school in Montpellier (Ecole de Jazz et de Musiques Actuelles) in order to improve his skills.

Their debut album, 'African Time', was released on Ubuntu Music in spring 2019.