Ochi - Lyrical Advocate
New amongst lesbian, solo artist, Ochi is considered one of the best, independent, performers in the business. Watching her perform is awe-inspiring due to her humorous lyrics, soulful voice and charismatic stage presence. As a songwriter, she creates articulate songs for today by incorporating her need to be out and free with her love for the music of her youth (gospel, R&B, blues, funk). Ochi sings with passion and performs with an authentic raw energy that cuts through the air with jubilant imagination and freshness. Her brand new CD "Just Ochi" is now out and available at CD Baby. Ochi's CD is currently being played on several radio stations: WXPN - Amazon Country (Sunday nights), RAINBOW WORLD RADIO - STONEWALL SOCIETY, RUBYFRUIT RADIO, NTG Radio and more. In addition to performing and recording her own material, Ochi is a versatile composer, and producer. From initial conception to the finished CD on the shelf, the term "solo" takes on a fuller meaning. Ochi writes, arranges, composes, and produces her music. Ensuring more creative freedom and control. It is said she even conceived and gave birth to herself.
Ochi's originality comes from her celebrated ancestry. (Cameroonian/ Nigerian, and Cherokee heritage.) She is the 5th generation born in the U.S. as a result of Atlantic Slave Trade. Ochi moved to Colorado at the age of 10 with her family when they relocated from Chicago to start a church in 1970. For Ochi growing up in the church meant more than just religious teaching. In fact because she was in the ministerial family she had to work in all areas of the church. The bottom line, a church is a business. Church is where she learned valuable business skills such as; accounting, business management, dedication, sacrifice, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. Each valuable lesson has served her well. Ochi left the church but not the lessons and skills she acquired along the way.
To her credit Ochi is an activist and trailblazer from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet. She briefly served on the board for NCBLG (National Coalition of Black Gays and Lesbians Denver Chapter) and the Gay and Lesbian Center of Colorado. Over the years she has begun several community based organizations and social clubs in Denver. Ever an activist music is yet another way to continue her work. Since 1998, Ochi has been known throughout Denver and surrounding areas as a teacher, drummer, guardian of culture/history, and an outspoken advocate against religious and cultural oppression.
As a small business owner of a property management and investment company she and her children donate countless, hours to worthy causes that promote the wellness of wimin, children, elderly, people of color and immigrants. Using whatever she has at her disposal she has tirelessly worked in support of her passions. From cleaning carpets and painting at a shelter for battered women to rescuing injured animal and feeding the homeless, Ochi is there.
Her latest passion has been to create "OUT" music that is accepted into the mainstream. Why? Same gender loving people are everywhere, they spend our money everywhere, and should be able to hear our music wherever they are. In other words, fair representation. Besides the youth of today need options just like adults do. "Let’s face it music has gone down hill and that’s not just an opinion, it’s a fact. Lyrical crime is at an all time high. Wimin are degraded, humiliated, and gang raped to a catchy beat. Those whose only interest is turning a profit, assault our ears and invade our subconscious on a daily basis. WHERE IS THE LOVE PEOPLE!??!" Ochi has launched her very own, ONE WOMAN COMPAIGN called, “TAKE BACK THE MUSIC”! Using humor, relevant topics and good music she hopes to spread her message of love, harmony, and peace. She is working to prove that profanity, vulgarity, homophobia and sexism aren’t necessary for music sales. Many people forget the key word in activism is "act". We must be proactive in our own liberation and the road to our happiness. It's artist like Ochi who have courage to lead the way. Let's not leave them hanging.