Interview - Flashing Back and Recapping Ife Basim’s Women's History Month Celebrations (Part 1)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, February 27, 2022

9 years ago, Ife Basim (Joy Topping-Mann) started a Women's History Month Celebration because she felt that the accomplishments of many local women go unnoticed. Ife feels that bringing attention to these everyday heroes, applauding them for their excellence and recognizing them now helps build the bonds of sisterhood. By staying true to the mission, the annual WHM event has become a vehicle that encourages and helps women unite, share their gifts, talents, accomplishments and the event also motivates the young and old to share their gifts with the world. 

Also in today's environment, we figure why not applaud these local important figures while they can still appreciate it. Recent events like the worldwide pandemic clearly pointed out the need to use time wisely and appreciate each other even more.  We are all still adjusting to our “new normal” world and true to form WHM switched from all in-person in 2019, to all online in 2020 and now in 2021 our new normal is a hybrid approach for 2022. The message and objective has not changed, which is to get the word out that we have all made it this far through the many challenges of the pandemic and we are still here. Ife Basim’s WHM platform is now in it’s 9th year and these events continue to grow our spirit. 

Today, in Part 1, we take a look back over the years and understand the WHM spirit as we prepare for WHM2022.  We talk with the founder and gain a first-hand view of WHM's past and a little bit about its future.  Take a listen.

Gregory Burrus Productions Interviewer, Lynette Sheard, Singer Interviews Founder Ife Basim on the History of Women's History Month Celebrations.

Through the Years of Ife Basim’s Women’s History Month Events

Reflecting upon the 9 years of WHM events, we discuss the highlights of the first 8 years, view the beautiful poster artwork, and who performed, with links to all the fun we had.     

2014

1st Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year 2014 

Date: March 7, 2014

Theme: "Women in Jazz"

Featured vocalists: Jackie Jones and Cynthia Holiday 

Special Tribute: Amira Baraka, Yvette Glover, Denise McCoy, Barbara Kukla, wrote The Encyclopedia of Newark Jazz and Dorthaan Kirk, NEA Jazz Master and Newark's First Lady of Jazz.

Live Music: Girl Talk Jam Session

View more — a taste of 2014: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/20140303-1st-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Celebration/ 

2015

2nd Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2015 

Date: March 13, 2015

Theme: “Weaving the Stories of Women's Lives”

Featured Vocalists: Joy Elaine and Jacque Harmon Johnson 

Special Tributes: Kathy L. Spivey, Inez McClendon, Jaklyn DeVore

And Gwen Moten, ED, Mayor's Office of Arts, Cultural Development and Tourism 

Live Music: Brandon McCune, Vince Ector, Calvin Jones

View more — a taste of 2015: 20150303 2nd Annual Womens History Month - Gregory Burrus Around Town

2016

3rd Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2016 

The Date: March 11, 2016

Theme:  "Her Story"

Featured Vocalists Joy Elaine, Patricia Walton, Joy F Brown, PJ Parker, Phyllis Blandford and and Omisanye Karade 

Special: Vendors and After Party

View more — a taste of 2016: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/2016-3rd-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Her-Story/ 

2017

4th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2017

Date: March 31, 2017

Theme: "Protect Your Peace"

Featured Vocalists: Phyllis Blandford, Lynette Sheard, Patricia Walton, Jackie Gilliam, Dana F. Hawkins 

Special: Vendors  

Live Music:  Brianne Ford, Kim Clarke, Whisper McCray, Sheryl Bailey, Debra Kreisberg

View more — a taste of 2017: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/20170331-4th-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Celebration 

2018

5th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2018

Date: March 30, 2018

Theme:  "I'm Every Woman"

Featured Vocalists Joy Elaine, Patricia Walton, Joy F Brown, PJ Parker, Phyllis Blandford and and Omisanye Karade 

Special Acts:  "I'm Every Woman" program ad booklet, a donation to Sierra House, a safe haven for at-risk youth and young adult women and Sierra House representative Marcia Dash, beautiful balloon stilettos by the Balloon Lady Jacqueline Harmon Johnson, Dwight West and Anthony Avent, James (A-Natural) tribute song, “Diaspora to African American,” Gregory Burrus Around Town for your fabulous photography, support, wisdom, direction, promotions, Ami Brabson of "Phenomenal Women” & Dr. Stephanie D. Burroughs Inspirational Speaker/Trainer/Business & Thought Therapy Coach, artist Cathleen McCoy Bristol, and Nettie Forman. Hosted by Norman Mann.

Live Music: MPACK Music Clarence Conover, Brett Caulder, Joe Scarpetto, PatriciaWalton 

View more — a taste of 2018: 2018 5th-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Celebration - Gregory Burrus Around Town

2019

6th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2019

Date: March 1, 2019

Theme:  "Representation Matters"

Featured Vocalist: Daria Jones

Special Activities:  Hosted by Celeste Bateman, Casual Wear and Islamic designs by Shadiyah Cobbertt-Hutchinson, "Women Who Matter" were acknowledged for their outstanding achievements, dramatic reading of an original play, "Storms Weathered".... written by Ife Basim, supported victims of domestic abuse, "Women Who Batter."

Live Music: Daria Jones Band

View more — a taste of 2019: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/20190301-6th-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Ife-Basim 

2020

7th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2020

Date: March 1, 2020

Theme: "Living Life on Purpose"

Featured Vocalists: Sheba Jordan

Special: The 7th Annual Women's History Month Celebration (WHM2020) was dedicated to the memory of the unforgettable Yvette Glover. Skits on Mental Health Awareness were performed by the 'Mental Health Players' directed by Lynette Sheard. Mental Health Players: Lynette Sheard, Yvette Glover, Joy Elaine, Phyliis Blandford, Patricia Walton, Jacquelyn Harmond Johnson, Zakiyyah Zaimah, Omisanya Karade. 

Live Music: Clarence Conover, Eddie Belton, Norman Mann, Larry Greenberg, sitting in James Gibbs and guitar player.

Also, a special tribute to a woman who exemplifies Living Life on Purpose.

View more — a taste of 2020: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/20200306-7th-Annual-Womens-History-Month 

2021 

8th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2021

Date: March 26, 2021

Theme: “Refresh in Progress" (COVID-19 pandemic, live-streamed)

Featured Vocalists: Joy Topping Man, Zakiyyah Zaimah, Phlyllis  Blanford and Patricia Walton

Special Performers: Comedian Tonya Agosto, Author Phyllis Vivens Hudson, ED readings from her book of recovery “Flying on Broken Wings”

Live Music: Pianist Brandon McCune

You can re-watch the “Refresh in Progress” show on:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ifebasimproductions
Web at http://ifebasim.tv

View more — a taste of 2021: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/WHM2021-8th-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Celebration 

Coming soon: 2022 9th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

We hope you come join us Friday, March 4th and have some fun with us.

9th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2022

Date: March 4, 2022

Theme:  “Just Us. Just Music”

Featured Vocalists: Joy Mann, Patricia Walton, Phyllis Blandford and and Omisanye Karade 

Special Venue:  Cricket Club Entertainment Complex

Live Music: Caylen Bryant, Iyonna Herbert, Lee Odom, Kate Cosco

Meet Your Producer: Joy Topping-Mann (aka Ife Basim)

Support Us GoFundme: http://ifebasimmasterpieces.com

Stay tuned right here for Part 2 as we review the March 4th WHM2022. Our coverage will provide details on the performers, the new venue, the Cricket Club Entertainment Complex, which we are very excited about, more quotes from the founder, and everything that happens. Check back right here: https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus

About the Author Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. Gregory Burrus combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate. 

I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life. 

https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus  
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus 

Jazz973 Swinging Hard with Norman Mann and Rafiki at Clements Place Jazz for Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, December 12, 2021

One of the many tasks I perform every year is producing and promoting live music events. Curating the right band relies a lot on the bandleader bringing out all the right musicians and getting them to perform in a synchronous manner. This season, Gregory Burrus Productions had a number of "Norman Mann and Rafiki" live music performances that stood out as outstanding. This was evidenced by sold out, very happy audiences enjoying themselves to the maximum. Let's listen to a few performances and then meet the band.

Norman Mann and Rafiki were live in South Orange Downtown Live Music Concerts in August, and it was started then eventually was rained out. The band was Norman Mann on Percussion/Vocals, Gene Ghee on Sax, Peter Lin on Trombone, Joy Topping Mann (aka Ife Basim) on Vocals, Christopher Dean Sullivan on Bass, Alvester Garnett on Drums with James Austin Jr. on Piano. For the time they performed, it was oh so sweet.

They came back together again, live at the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies’ Clements Place Jazz in Newark, NJ. They all got together and produced a truly awesome live music concert. The band configuration was Norman Mann on Percussion, vocals, Gene Ghee on Sax, Peter Lin on Trombone, Joy Topping Mann (aka Ife Basim) on Vocals, Christopher Dean Sullivan on Bass, Sir G. Earl Grice on Drums, Tomoko Ohno on Piano. 

As you can see and hear, Norman Mann curates a stellar list of musicians that perform some incredible sets. Part of this may be hinted at in the band name Rafiki. Norman has been quoted as saying, "Rafiki is a Swahili word that translates to English as ‘friend.’”  So now, let's meet the friends in the band. 

Norman Mann — Bandleader — Percussionist

Norman Mann, an alumni and Football Hall of Famer of Weequahic High School is widely respected within the community and was honored to perform at the East Orange Library’s tribute to Amiri Baraka.

Norman, along with Greg Salandis, are widely known for their past partnership at Skippers Plane Street Pub in November 2007. Skippers was a very popular spot in Newark located on University Ave and was a welcomed addition to Newark's nightlife. It was a place where music, food, drink, and conversation were the rage and occurred in a comfortable, friendly environment. Skippers featured many of the Tri-State’s musicians and singers. Norman Mann, as a musician, plays congas, percussion and also sings. He has appeared with drummers Greg Buford, Alvester Garnett, and singers Ty Stephens, Joy Topping Mann, Tomoko Ohno, and Dwight West along with one of Jersey's top organists and keyboardists, Mel Davis, to name a few. 

Norman and his bands have performed in numerous venues around Northern New Jersey such as Montclair’s Trumpets Jazz Club, Newark’s Priory Jazz Club, City of Orange’s Mr. Jays, Jazz In Spiotta Park and Jazz On Sloan in South Orange, NJ. Norman is the CEO of G Mann Productions, has produced jazz shows at many of the Tri-State area clubs and lately has been producing events in Irvington’s Cricket Club.  

Following are the bios of some truly cool members of the band.

Tomoko Ohno — Pianist

Tomoko Ohno, born in Tokyo, began piano studies at the age of 4. As a teenager, she began playing professionally in the Tokyo area jazz scene. After graduating from Rikkyo University in Law and Politics, Miss Ohno moved to the United States and entered the Jazz Studies Program at William Paterson University in New Jersey, where she studied with Harold Mabern and Rufus Reid. During this time she had the opportunity to perform with such artists as Jerome Richardson, Wynton Marsalis, Benny Golson and Joe Henderson. A recipient of the Student Award of Outstanding Performance and a member of the Dean’s List, Miss Ohno graduated with a B.A. in Jazz Studies.

She has performed at Lincoln Center, Weill Recital, Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, Birdland , in addition to appearing on live radio broadcasts by WBGO and WNYC, and ABC TV's Good Morning America. She has performed and/or recorded with Slide Hampton, Claudio Roditi, James Spaulding, Rufus Reid, The John Lee Quartet, The Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Big Band and Sherry Maricle and the Diva Jazz Orchestra, as well as working as a side musician with such diverse musical ensembles as the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble and The Spirit of Life Ensemble.

Miss Ohno also leads her own group, and has released three CDs on the Japan-based Tokuma label. In 1997 her first album, “Powder Blue” was released, and in 1999 her second album, “Affirmation” was released, followed in 2000 by the album "Natural Woman." Her album "Shadows of Spring" (recorded in Argentina) was released by MDR Records in 2005. "Tomoko Ohno in Buenos Aires" was also released by MDR Records in 2007. The duet album with legendary Argentine guitarist Ricardo Lew " From Tokyo to Buenos Aires " was released in spring 2011. The duo added the cellist Nestor Tedesco from Teatro Colon and released the Tango/Jazz album " Tres Sabores " in 2016.

http://www.tomokoohno.com

Gene Ghee — Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet

Gene Ghee - (saxophone, flute, clarinet) is a long-time performer and educator. He graduated from NYU with a music education undergrad degree, from the Manhattan School of Music with an MA for music performance and from Columbia University Teachers College with a Master of Education degree. He has appeared as a sideman with an array of performers from Art Blakey to Stevie Wonder and is also a recipient of the Daily News Music Teacher Recognition Award.

Gene Ghee is a highly in-demand saxophonist and has performed with numerous professionals such as Art Blakey Jr., Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Teddy Pendergrass, Anita Baker, B.T.Express, Arthur Prysock, Little Anthony and The Imperials. Add to that Etta Jones, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Benny Powell, Eddie Palmieri, Machito, and Barry Harris plus the list goes on. He's a performer on recordings of Stevie Wonder (Do I Do), played tenor saxophone and contracted the horn section for the session which included Frank Wess, Virgil Jones, Ron Tooley, Britt Woodman, Clifton Anderson, Victor Paz and others. Recordings / performances with the likes of Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Village People, Candi Staton. T.S.Monk plus many more national and international performers.

Joy Topping Mann (aka Ife Basim)

Joy Topping Mann (aka Ife Basim) - In her early days as a Contemporary Christian artist, songwriter and arranger, Joy Topping-Mann co-produced three CD projects of original music which she performed nationally and internationally with her band ‘Gifts.’ She has opened for other well-known Christian artists, was signed with Jamm Records, a Los Angeles, California record company, and has had her music played on radio stations throughout the U.S.

As a producer and promoter of special events, Joy has received local acclaim for the Annual Women’s History Month Celebrations held each March at the St. Joseph’s Plaza (formerly known as the Priory) located in Newark, New Jersey. These uniquely memorable experiences have focused on honoring extraordinary women for their outstanding accomplishments, Audiences have been treated to virtuoso performances by the Tri-state’s most talented artists.

As a jazz vocalist, Joy’s rich melodic voice and unique phrasing take the listener back to the days of classic jazz, invoking shades of Sarah Vaughan and hints at the daring of Billie Holiday. Warmly embraced by enthusiastic audiences, she has appeared at several venues throughout the Tri-state area.

https://www.jerseyindie.com/blog/whm2021-womens-history-month-celebration-by-ife-basim-masterpieces

Christopher Dean Sullivan — Bass

Christopher Dean Sullivan - “a bassist who is authoritative and bluesy while bending notes that honor his affection for legends such as Slam Stewart as well as Ray Brown.” ~ Steve Monroe, Jazz Journalists Association

The critically acclaimed Chicago Ill born, Pittsburgh PA raised bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan is well traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad. Christopher started his career in Pittsburgh , PA. After a few years in Germany he returned to Pittsburgh and honed his craft as a bassist during his time with the Jazz Workshop Inc., located in the Homewood district, under the direction of Harold Young Sr, and the Archives, located in the Hill district, developed by Errol “Mobutu” Reynolds (Grant Green, Johnny Lytle), where Chris in his words stated …“I got the honor to perform with guitarist Grant Green on three different occasions, through my association with the Archives.”

Chris quickly became known for his own unique approach to playing the bass. He formed local commercial groups that would go on to open up concerts for such bands of notoriety as the Ohio Players, The Bar-Kays, New Birth, The Tavares, and others. Chris decided to expand his musical horizons and started performing with the jazz notables of the Pittsburgh, PA region; Joe Harris (Dizzy Gillespie), Roger Humphries (Horace Silver), Nathan Davis (Pitt University), arranger Arthur Powell, Pete Henderson, Larry Mcgee, Nelson Harrison (Count Basie), J. C. Moses (Eric Dolphy), Geri Allen, Carl Arter, Jothan Callins (Sun Rah), and others. Soon he achieved the opportunity to perform and travel with music notables Lou Soloff, Jimmy Owens, Johnny Lytle, and others for a number of years before locating to New York City.

While residing in the New York region Christopher Dean Sullivan has had the opportunity to share the stage in performance and/or record with Archie Shepp, Sheila Jordan, Carter Jefferson, Yusef Lateef, Odean Pope, Stanley Jordan, Freddie Hubbard, Billy Hart, Christian McBride, Stanley Jordan,

Sonny Fortune, Horace Parlan, Carl Grubbs, Irene Reid, Richie Cole, Jon Faddis, Vanessa Rubin, Eddie Henderson, Bob Gluck, Charli Persip, Henry Grimes, Pete Seeger, Roy Campbell, Della Griffin, Barbara Sfraga, Joe Lovano, Cotton Club All Star Band, Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers, Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Stanley Turrentine, just to name a few.

http://www.christopherdeansullivan.com/

G. Earl Grice — Drums

G. Earl Grice - G. Earl has been playing music throughout the New York City area for the past three decades. His talents stretch from the piano to the drums. His favorite instrument is the drums. He currently plays with the Crown Heights Affair. He is affectionately known as 'Sir Earl' with his fellow musicians. Impressing everyone with his ability to text and drum at the same time.

G. Earl has shared the stage with artists such as Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Rhoda Scott, Stevie Wonder, George Benson and many others.

Earl was also the recipient of the 1997 Jazz Award from the Jamaica Development Corp. Other drummers who have received this award include Max Roach, Roy Haynes, and Charlie Persip.

In addition to his music background, G. Earl has worked on approximately fifty movies and television shows as an actor.

https://www.facebook.com/sir.g.earl 

Peter Lin — Trombone 

Peter Lin - Taiwanese-American trombonist Peter Lin is a young and creative musician active on the New Jersey and New York scene. A graduate of the jazz programs of William Paterson University (undergraduate) and the graduate program of Rutgers University, Peter studied with jazz trombone legends such as Slide Hampton, Steve Turre, Conrad Herwig, Robin Eubanks, Steve Davis, & Frank Lacy. He has performed with many notable artists including Slide Hampton, Winard Harper, Charli Persip, Valerie Ponomarev, JD Allen, & Radam Schwartz. Peter is also an established educator, holding a prestigious faculty position at Melissa Walker & Christian McBride’s non-profit organization, Jazz House Kids.

His first record, With Respect, featured arrangements of classic Chinese and Taiwanese songs, which peaked at #3 on the NACC Charts and #4 on the RMR Charts. His second album, New Age Old Ways, features eight of his original compositions along with an original comic book with illustrations by Kelly Lin.

https://www.yardbirdent.com
https://www.peterlinmusic.com

Norman Mann and Rafiki — South Orange Live Music Concerts

For me, booking this stellar cast of musicians every year means good times and great live music performances. Whether Norman Mann and Raiki are performing jazz originals and/or standards, you are guaranteed to be tapping your feet while dancing and swinging in your seat. These seasoned veterans combined have over 150 years in the entertainment business, creating a wealth of experience from numerous performances around the US and across the World. Hence, I invite you to check out the band Norman Mann and Rafiki and his other events currently at Irvington’s Cricket Club. I guarantee you a really great time. 

About the Author

Gregory Burrus produces, promotes, curates and hosts numerous live music concerts. Gregory Burrus is also a supporter of local businesses and community events. On a regular basis he writes for various art and entertainment news sites, blogs while documenting community events. Just having fun, living life, while helping others.

Learn more at http://gregoryburrusproduction.com.

WHM2021 Women's History Month Celebration by Ife Basim Masterpieces

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Monday, March 15, 2021

"2020 was a whirlwind year of unpredictable and unexpected change, where our lives were abruptly interrupted, and our normal routines came to a grinding, screeching halt. Fatigued by setbacks, loss, grief and pain; exhausted, we held our breath waiting for any sign of relief." — Ife Basim

Enter Social Distancing

A coronavirus awareness sign around the U.S. Capitol encourages social distancing.

Per the CDC, "having to physically distance from someone you love—like friends, family, coworkers, or your worship community—can be hard.” It caused change in plans—for instance, having to do virtual job interviews, virtual dates, not being able to visit love ones in a health facility or worse we couldn't visit some of our own folks in our own home.

Refresh In Progress

Last year, right after the 2020 7th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, the world literally shut down cold. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and we all went inside and hid from an unknown virus call COVID-19. As one reporter stated, “It felt like the world was falling apart" and we truly had no idea that the pandemic would last a year and that we would still be living through it today. Well, it's a year deep into the COVID-19 pandemic, the stress has been intense, and it’s time to take a break and just breathe again.

Inspiration Drives Creativity

This year, the 8th Annual Women’s History Month is being driven by inspiration and the results and rules of the COVID Pandemic. With Social Distancing in full effect, this year's event adheres to CDC Guidelines but more importantly is focused on addressing the daily ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In our limited travel, we had a chance to interview the founder of the Annual Womens' History Month Celebration, now entering its 8th year. Enjoy the following:

Why did you start Women’s History Month — WHM2014 years ago?

Through The Years - Women's History Month Celebrations

Ife Basim: I started WHM because I believe in strengthening the bonds of Sisterhood. I wanted to create a platform for women to unite, share their gifts, talents and accomplishments, and thereby encourage others to do the same.

Which women or more inspire you?

Ife Basim: I am inspired by the goal-setters, the risk takers, the fearless, the determined and those that never lose sight of their goal. No matter how big or small the task, I am inspired by those that find new ways to live their best life.

What criteria is used to select your honoree?

Ife Basim: Many accomplishments of local women go unnoticed. I love exposing these unsung heroes, applauding them for their excellence and giving them their flowers now.

What can people look forward to this year that's new and different?

Ife Basim: Well, what's different is that we all have experienced the setback results of a Pandemic, and if you are blessed to have survived through COVID-19, you like so many others are now living a new normal.  The theme "Refresh in Progress" is just a way of letting people know that now's the time to exhale, hit the reset button and  refresh your life, by any means necessary.

Also, this year we will adhere to CDC Guidelines and address social distancing guidelines and live streaming our event. Our live-streamed performance talks of surviving, strengthening and, of course, the importance of sisterhood, which I am sure will not only entertain, but inspire others to begin their refresh in progress.

How can folks join in and support this year's Women's History Month Celebration?

Ife Basim: This year we hope those who have joined us over the years can join in this year's 2021 Women's History Month Celebration and help us keep this wonderful, inspiring, celebration, move forward. Please listen to our message below.

Ife Basim: Live-Streamed Celebration. The theme for this year, “Refresh in Progress.” Restoration is a process.  Renewal is a process. Refreshing is a process. Start your process.

Please click here and join in the fun.

Meet Your Producer — Joy Topping-Mann (aka Ife Basim)

In her early days as a Contemporary Christian artist, songwriter and arranger, Joy Topping-Mann co-produced three CD projects of original music which she performed nationally and internationally with her band ‘Gifts.’ She has opened for other well-known Christian artists, was signed with Jamm Records, a Los Angeles, California record company, and has had her music played on radio stations throughout the U.S.

As a jazz vocalist, Joy’s rich melodic voice and unique phrasing take the listener back to the days of classic jazz, invoking shades of Sarah Vaughan and hints at the daring of Billie Holiday. Warmly embraced by enthusiastic audiences, she has appeared at several venues in the Tri-state area.

As a producer and promoter of special events, Joy has received local acclaim for the Annual Women’s History Month Celebrations held each March at the St. Joseph’s Plaza (formerly known as the Priory) located in Newark, New Jersey. These uniquely memorable experiences have focused on honoring extraordinary women for their outstanding accomplishments, while empowering and encouraging women, young and old to pursue their dreams and practice the art of protecting their peace. Audiences have been treated to virtuoso performances by the Tri-state’s most talented artists.

Joy’s prowess as a writer has been rewarded with two of her essays being selected by the Billie Holiday Theater’s 50in50. “Letters to Our Daughters” in 2019 was performed at the Kumble Theater in NY by Actress Marsha Stephanie Blake, and her submission, "Letters to Our Sons" 2020 was selected to be read by one of New York City's finest actresses on March 14th & March 15th as well as performed at the WACO Theater in Los Angeles, CA.

She has now set her sights on play writing, and her debut stage production “Storms Weathered” is quickly capturing the interest of many. One of her 10-minute plays “ELEVATE HER” was read by actors of Unidentified Stages at SOPAC.

Producer of the Annual Women's History Month Celebrations, Joy Topping-Mann's (aka Ife Basim) goal is to leave lasting impressions in whatever she does. Excitement is definitely in the air for the 8th Annual WHM2021 which will be streamed online Friday, March 26th. Come join us. You will not be disappointed.

About Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus is a local live music producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. Gregory Burrus combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate. He is clearly happy to support and help produce this 8th Annual Women’s History Month event led by the imaginative and very creative Ife Basim along with live music lover and promoter from the Priory, Denise McCoy. 

Learn more: https://gregoryburrusproductions.com

Support our GoFundme: http://ifebasimmasterpieces.com