Since its inception about six years ago, Oluponya Records has sought to support future stars.
As the first and only student-run recording label at the University, Oluponya Records (pronounced All-Up-On-Ya) is dedicated to recording and promoting talented students and student groups.
"Our mission is to expand genres and serve as a premier organization for students at a great price and in a good location," said third-year Commerce student Alex Boyajian, president of the organization. "We find individuals who are musically talented and use quality, professional equipment to showcase their talent to the University."
When members of Oluponya are not at their weekly Monday meetings to take care of administrative matters or writing songs around Grounds, you can find them in their studio in the basement of Newcomb Hall for weekly "Fridays at 5" recording sessions, where producers and artists meet to work on tracks.
Oluponya also assembles packages for artists who wish to send their music to record labels and organizes workshops where members can work with the executive producer to improve their production skills.
The organization features a variety of singers and artists from University music groups, like ReMiX, Ektaal and Black Voices, but anyone can get involved.
"We target all years, both genders, and a lot of student communities here at U.Va.," Boyajian said. "Anyone who shares a love for music."
To become an artist for Oluponya, however, students must undergo a selection process, which includes an audition. The audition, usually held at the beginning of the academic year, determines whether a student will become a non-performing, developing artist or one of the premier artists, who are the "faces of the label," Boyajian said.
Second-year Engineering student Jalysa Conway is an artist for Olupanya and specializes in rap. She said she decided to get involved with the organization after seeing them perform last year at a University event.
"I love working with Oluponya because, as a student-run organization, you have complete freedom to be as creative as you want," Conway said. "As a member, I have developed a deeper appreciation for music and how it is made."
Oluponya artists have performed in a number of areas and events around Grounds, including charity events, fashions shows and step shows.
"The members of Oluponya are the best at what they do," said fourth-year College student Malcolm Jones, Oluponya's vice president of administration.
Former members of Oluponya have gone on to work in the music and marketing industry and intern for music companies such as MTV, Boyajian said.
"It's an amazing feeling to be surrounded by so many talented, top singers," Jones said. "It doesn't get any better than that. Members of Oluponya make for successful events that really get the audience talking."
Jones said he knew during his first year that he wanted to be involved in the organization.
"When I came to U.Va., I looked for people who shared the same passion," he said. "I wanted to continue what I did in high school on a larger scale."
Oluponya, in addition to functioning like a record label, is like a family for many members of the group.
"I was accepted into a family when I joined Oluponya," Boyajian said, emphasizing the welcoming disposition of the organization's membership.
Jones said he also feels as though he is a part of a close-knit group.
"As a member of the Oluponya family, I have been able to work with individuals who have different talents, have been able to work with beats in the studio, and work with administration," he said."Oluponya has the ability to bring people together to create an awesome result."
Students of various backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to get involved with the group.
"Let us see what you've got," said Jones. "If you've got talent, we'll make you a star."
Oluponya intends to showcase its talent for a broader audience soon; this spring, Oluponya will release an album featuring a wide variety of music, ranging from rap and hip-hop to R&B and possibly even country music. The group plans to send its album to radio stations and to use connections in the music industry to get its name out.
"Look forward to big things this year," Jones said. "We keep getting better with every year and that's never going to stop"
Read More
Fourth-year Bodo’s orders — creative or catastrophic?
By Lizzy Goldstein | 7 hours agoWhile this selection of bagels had winners and losers, it is safe to say that the Class of 2024 has taken full advantage of the Bodo’s menu over the years.
The naked party uncovered
By Mia Tan | YesterdayThe naked party, founded by fourth-year Architecture student Wells Woolcott, is the first of its kind at the University in recent memory.
A second chance to dress for graduation
By Julianne Saunders | 2 days agoI have learned to see my college graduation not as a way to make up for the past but as an event worth celebrating on its own.
