Osunlade

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 masterhis craft.
Within the next years and over twenty albums credited, Osunlade felt the pressures and practices of the music business overshadowed h
is 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.