Summary: We are a week away from the release of the multicultural self-titled debut album by global soul singer-songwriter-poet Offiong Bassey (www.OffiongBassey.com). Incorporating the Nigerian heritage of her parents and grandparents, Afro-Peruvian rhythms from her travels, inspired gospel from her spiritual roots, and R&B, funk and jazz intonations from her American upbringing, Bassey’s eleven-song set When Leon Timbo went to perform at Bishop T.D. Jakes’ The Potter’s Church in 2008, he hoped to change people’s lives with his uplifting music. But it was the Jacksonville, Florida, native’s life that was about to change. After delivering a rousing set that focused on Timbo’s signature emotionally-rich, love-centric tunes, the singer-songwriter-musician was met backstage by Tyrese. “He walked in the back after I was done and said, ‘Dude. I don’t know what just happened, but whatever just happened I want to happen tonight at my show,’” Timbo recalls today.
