In 'Soundscapes,' multi-disciplinary sound artist, saxophonist, DJ, and producer Eli Fola explores the healing potential of techno. Already well-known for pioneering the "Yoruba Tech Soul," Fola will expand on the live-hybrid set with National Sawdust's Meyer Sound spatial sound system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
In 'Soundscapes,' multi-disciplinary sound artist, saxophonist, DJ, and producer Eli Fola explores the healing potential of techno. Already well-known for pioneering the "Yoruba Tech Soul," Fola will expand on the live-hybrid set with National Sawdust's Meyer Sound spatial sound system. Fola will create an immersive soundscape by combining original electronic compositions and live saxophone, talking drums, and upright bass by bassist Matthew Jamal.
Poet Cyrus Aaron, whose unique blend of powerful commentary and empowerment has made him a sought-after storyteller, will set the tone for the night. National Sawdust is a proud Meyer Sound Experience partner.
About Eli Fola
Eli Fola is a Nigerian-born, New York and Los Angeles-based, multi-disciplinary sound artist, saxophonist, DJ, and producer. He is the creator and pioneer of the live-hybrid set “Yoruba Tech Soul”, an innovative fusion of AfroHouse, techno, jazz, and classical music. He is often regarded as a saxophone genius and branded with the visual art world due to his powerful imagery that showcases Afrohouse and spirituality in a modern context.
Eli Fola’s first introduction to house music and techno was his discovery of Osunlade and Jeff Mills. Fela Kuti was also a huge inspiration growing up, as Eli mixed Afrobeats and highlife music with traditional Nigerian genres. This colorful blend of artistry and style grew the backbone of his signature sound.
Eli’s innovative style and sonic identity caught the attention of Grammy-winning powerhouses Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, who booked Eli for a private event at their home, and featured him at their No Commission event in Miami. Eli has shared the stage with icons like ASAP Rocky, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz, and has performed alongside other major artists including Black Coffee, Pablo Fierro, and Audiofly. As a film score composer, he has been commissioned to work on projects for Vogue Italia and Free The Works, including collaborations with brands like Soho House, Bacardi, ArtNews, and ArtBasel. Eli was also a 2017 TED Talks speaker and performer, presenting his talk focused on how music can be used to reconcile and highlight differences in culture and identity.
In 2016, Eli Fola founded Tech Afrique, an independent label, events, and cultural platform that promotes Afrofuturist ideas. Growing with large success, Tech Afrique keeps a progressive pulse on the culture, serving as a buzzing platform to release music and showcase upcoming DJs and producers around the world. With a special focus on the historically underrepresented BIPOC community, the label has successfully released three EPs and curated a sizzling event series across New York City and Tulum, Mexico that highlights the magic of his multicultural artistry.
About Cyrus Aaron
Cyrus Aaron is a creative storyteller and community organizer. In addition to screen, stage, sonic work, and brand commissions, the multi-hyphenate leads self-awareness workshops and community forums. The Chicago native is a Michigan State University J-School Alum, and currently resides in Brooklyn, NY.
Commissions & Clients: Google, Spotify, HBO, BBDO, Nike, Lincoln Center, The SHED, BRIC, St. Ann’s Warehouse, Proctor & Gamble, Yahoo!, Foot Locker, Lowe’s, Pyer Moss, Cadillac, Twitter, Black Gotham Experience, Tishman Speyer, and more.
Residencies & Festivals: Soho House Programming Residency (2022), Sound Stage @ Wild Project Curator-in-Residence (2022), The Performance Project Artist-in Residence (2021-2022), The Fire This Time Festival Playwright (2020).