Iyeoka is a powerful songstress whose lyrical prowess and vocal talents invoke the spirit of soul-shakers Nina Simone, Sade, Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse. A story teller to the core, Iyeoka’s hope-filled words pour out from within and build momentum based on truth. As the words transform into songs, they reemerge as unique, emotionally complex gifts to her audience, touching on a wide range of issues – love, women, culture, struggle, and relationships, among many others. Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo is a Poet and Recording Artist, a 2010 TED Global Fellow, the 2nd place 2009 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion, and a spokesperson for the Amenawon Foundation that helps less fortunate people in her home country of Nigeria. This is a repeating theme in many of her poems and songs. Daughter of Nigerian-born parents who both hold Doctorate degrees from Boston University, Iyeoka was a practicing pharmacist before launching her career as a poet, singer, activist and educator. In her native Esan language, Iyeoka means "I want to be respected." By channeling her culture and ancestral influences, she delivers an authentic and inspiring message of healing through accessing the power of the moment. She has completed recording her second album, "Gold", for US-based label Underground Sun. The new 13-song collection of work was released worldwide on July 1, 2016. Similar to the last full length effort by the writing & producing team Iyeoka and producer/songwriter David Franz, the album captures an eclectic mix of afrobeat, pop, jazz, dance and rock.