What’s Up World!

I was doing some house cleaning and found some DVD’s that weren’t labeled. I decided to pop them into the MacBook Pro to see what discovery I had made. Low and behold, I was happy to see some footage from my voyage to Nigeria, West Africa at the end of in 2008. That trip had so much meaning to me. I credit that experience with giving me the courage to pursue the dream of creating my own album project. It was my last day and my cousins decided to make it a memorable one by taking me down to Ilashe Beach. Of course my cousin brought his trusty acoustic guitar and we went back to basics on this. In the video footage you will see me and my cousin, Chima Nwoga, free-styling and jamin’ on the beaches of Lagos, Nigeria. It was a free-spirited moment and I will never forget how hard it was for me to get on that plane back to NYC. I had already been in Nigeria for 2 weeks but it wasn’t long enough. It would be months later when I would finally start working on “Walk With Me”. Chima ended up producing four tracks on the album: “Rhythm of Love”, “It’s Over, I’m Gone”, “Another Story” & “Moving”. “Let You Know” didn’t make it to the album. It was one of the very first songs I ever wrote and recorded when I first got into the game so it definitely has sentimental value. Check it out!

Leo Walker w/ daughters, Rachel, Zenda & Son Dwight

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the amazing father’s of the world. You don’t often get the recognition you deserve. Your role is equally as important as our mothers. You provide a balance that is very much needed in the growth process.

I personally feel very fortunate to still have my father in my life and I am very aware that I am blessed. He has a somewhat quiet and peaceful demeanor while my mother is a fire-cracker. I have dubbed him the silent supporter. He was the bread-winner and is still the voice of reason. He worked two full time jobs all my life to put a roof over our heads, take care of my sick brother who passed away in 2004, and send his children to the best schools. He also worked hard to pay for art, dance, gymnastics and music lessons because he wanted us all to be creative and cultured. He worked so much, that would you believe that I have never seen him in jeans or sweat pants? I’m not kidding, I have only seen him wearing work clothes (button down shirts, slacks & ties). I am humbled by this especially when I think of how hard it is just to have one job. He is retired now but I notice that he never ever complained about work. He simply did what he had to do to provide for the family.

There are so many people in the world who did not know their fathers or who no longer have their fathers around so I do not take my blessings for granted. When you are a child, you don’t even realized the level of sacrifice and selfishness that comes with raising children to survive in such a cruel and cold world. I really have to take my hat off to you and salute you Dad. You are genuinely loved and appreciated for everything you have done for us and everything that you are. LEO WALKER…THANK YOU!

Aruba at sunset taken from the shoreline.

Hello World! It’s been a while since I have connected. I have been extremely busy working with a new band, The Agency and performing. The past month has been somewhat of rollercoaster ride. I have endured some major life changes and it almost feels as if I am literally starting over.

I had the opportunity to go on vacation at the beginning of June which gave me some time to really think about my life and my direction. What better way to reflect and rejuvenate ones self than on an island surrounded by crystal blue waters with nothing but the whistling sound of the warm Caribbean wind as the soundtrack. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we sometimes forget what it feels like to be alone in our thoughts.  And to add to it, I witnessed one of the most beautiful weddings ever on the island. The couple, family and friends were so warm and loving that I was very touched by everyone’s spirit and enthusiasm. For an artist, there is no greater inspiration than love and I had a front row seat to love in it’s most organic form. What a blessing!

It was quite refreshing but somewhat short lived. Of course as soon as the trip came to a close, it was back to hustle mode. I have wasted no time. I’m back into my busy routine, but a slightly different person. And isn’t that what life does. It twists and turns and introduces you to new things, places, people and ideas. I’m newly inspired. And even though some of my daily routines and responsibilities have not changed, I am certain that I have.