New York City-based duo OSHUN is made up of singers Niambi Sala and Thandiwe, who go by Niambi and Thandi. The talented pair introduced an authentic fusion of R&B and Hip Hop dipped in AfroFuturism and Soul since they joined forces as a musical powerhouse. Much like the beloved Yoruba deity Oshun who they pay homage to, the singers “connect with the spirit of their ancestors to manifest a sweeter tomorrow for us all,” through their music. Now, Dr.Martens recognizes them for the creatives that they are as they capture their journey in a mini-documentary for the Dr. Martens Music & Film series titled Dr. Martens Presents: OSHUN.
The dynamic between Niambi and Thandi gives room for the textured sounds they create and is what they personally call the Oshuniverse. Now captured on film, they wish to educate other young artists on how to remain focused and to never lose the ardent desire to create original and powerful art. Shot on location in New York City, director Vincent Martell provides a platform for OSHUN to describe how they got started before attending NYU, their songwriting approach, finding their own musical tribe in an over-saturated city, and their overall mission to save the world.
As an ode to the contemporary artist who attends college, works part time and actively pursues a musical career OSHUN speak on their struggles balancing these responsibilities, therefore making this documentary all the more relevant. They truly set the standard for any rising artist who may think their dreams are unattainable.
“The challenge is I made a decision to live this life and i’m gonna work though it and figure it out, even if it’s something nobodies ever done. To be an independent artist with a goal of saving the world.”
Dr. Martens Presents: OSHUN.
Aside from being incredibly talented artists who offer conscious lyrics accompanied by angelic melodies, OSHUN also identify as activists for the Black community and prove themselves to be unwavering in their commitment to the culture and their music.
“Our lives have been bittersweet,” they say in a recent interview. “We have been guided by our community and our ancestors to carry the huge responsibility of dedicating our lives to representing our culture, and with that has come many blessings and opportunities, but also many challenges and sacrifices. We made a decision at a young age to create in a way that is loudly and unapologetically black, sacred and feminine…Nonetheless, we feel extremely blessed because we recognize that we are making a long term impact with our music. We are willing to deal with the bitter side of the journey because we know our legacy will engrave sweetness into the future.”
Watch the Dr. Martens short film on OSHUN today to become immersed in the Oshuniverse.
