By barnaby
Boy Golden, Bob Moses, July Talk, The Beaches, Metric, Dear Rouge, The Glorious Sons, Arkells, Billy Talent, The Darcys, Monowhales, Anyway Gang, Mother Mother, and Dear Rouge stand out in the year-end Alt category.
WondaGurl
Created in partnership with Conscious Music Circle (CMC), "Ancient Seed" taps artists from across the world to call attention to the soil degradation crisis.
WondaGurl is calling attention to a worldwide eco movement.
The Grammy-nominated Canadian producer has shared a new single, “Ancient Seed,” from her forthcoming EP, Conscious Planet.
Executive produced by WondaGurl, the track features vocals from South Asian artists Dhee and Santhosh Narayanan and Nigerian afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage. The cross-continental collaboration is the first taste of a project that will bring artists from across the globe together, speaking out about the worldwide soil degradation crisis.
The EP was created in partnership with Conscious Music Circle, the music focused initiative of non-profit organization Conscious Planet that connects the environment and music. It’s an extension of the ongoing work of Save Soil, a global initiative launched by Indian guru Sadhguru, to bring soil health to the forefront of environmental action.
"When I first learned about the Save Soil movement, it struck a chord. Soil health is at the root of everything: our food, our ecosystems, our future. I felt called to contribute my craft to amplify this message," WondaGurl, born Ebony Oshunrinde, told Billboard Canada.
"Collaborating with artists across India, Sri Lanka, Australia, and especially Nigeria, which is part of my heritage, is a chance to unite global creativity for a cause that touches us all. I’m honoured to be part of this movement and excited for the future releases.”
Dhee and Savage’s vocals lead the island-tinged track, while Narayanan, an Indian composer and musician, soars alongside WondaGurl’s production. The result is a vibrant fusion of Indo and Afro beats rooted in a collective message of ecological urgency.
“My mission has always been to give conscious messages to the messengers of our time, and with the movement, we did just that,” shares Che Kothari, director of CMC, manager of soca king Machel Montano and an executive producer on the track.
He notes that WondaGurl, a CMC member, “took on the challenge” to address the global issue.
“I deeply believe music and culture can play a role in our path from a compulsive planet to a conscious one. This song is a vital call to protect our Earth,” he says.
A portion of royalties from “Ancient Seed” will be donated to Save Soil’s ongoing efforts.
Last year, WondaGurl received the Producer of the Year Award at Billboard Canada Women in Music. Her mentor, renowned producer Boi-1da, presented the accolade, calling her "the greatest female producer of all time."
During her speech, she offered a piece of advice to budding female producers: “I hope this award encourages more women to pursue their dreams in this field. This award isn’t just mine. It belongs to everyone who believed in me, listened and shared in this journey.”
Conscious Planet is slated for release by Conscious Music Circle and WondaGurl's WonderChild Records this year.
Listen to “Ancient Seed” below:
