S afire Bio:
Recording Artist, songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur Wilma Cosme, internationally known as SAFIRE was born in the beautiful island of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her parents, in pursuit of a better life, moved to the heart of the multi-cultural "El Barrio", Spanish Harlem, in New York City. It was here, where she honed her craft and began to pursue her dream. During Wilma's walk to and from her public schools and local Pentecostal Church, where she sang, she was exposed to all the diverse street musicians of that neighborhood. It was during those wonderful times, that Safire found her passion and the love for creating music.
Safire's career began in 1986, when she auditioned and landed her first single with Cutting Records entitled, "Don't Break My Heart". Shortly thereafter, she released her second single, "Let Me Be The One", of which she also co-wrote. Safire immediately garnered success with major club play and radio air-play on WKTU's in New York and in Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Texas, making Safire a national artist in the dance and pop scene, leading the way for the emerging dance music dubbed "Latin Hip Hop".
With two successful singles, Safire signed with Mercury/Polygram Records for her debut album entitled, "Safire". The first single was a huge success, "Boy I've Been Told", written by music superstar, Marc Anthony. Boy I've Been Told single is still considered to be one of America's favorite dance/pop classic songs and is still being requested at radio stations across the country today. The single hit 1 in LA, NY, Chicago and Miami. It reached 3 on the Billboard Top-20 Hit. The second single coming off the album was a personal ballad dedicated to her mentor, her Uncle who passed away with Aids, entitled, "Thinking of You", of which she co-wrote as well. This single brought Safire into the limelight, worldwide, charting on 'Billboard Top 10' in almost every category. Making Safire an international star, and she toured throughout Japan, Europe, US and many exotic Caribbean islands. What were paramount to Safire were her live performances. The ability to reach out to her adorning fans is what made her extremely happy. Her shows were trend setting and blasting with energy.
Safire's achievement has garnered her numerous recognition: Won Best R&B Debut Artist, Best R& B Single, Best Latin Female Vocalist and an ASCAP award for "Thinking of You", which was cited as one of the year's most played songs on the radio. With that success, she appeared in numerous national award shows and TV Variety shows, including the Entertainment Tonight, Joan Rivers, Pat Sayjack, Nia Peebles Dance Show. Safire was also the "First Latina" to grace the cover of SPIN Magazine and she appeared in VOGUE magazine. Safire performed for the New York Music Awards, the Boston Music Awards, the NY KNICKS in MSG, and for City of Hope for kids. It did not stop there for SAFIRE, as she remade the popular dance song, "I Will Survive", as well as shot the music video, which appeared on the soundtrack and movie, "SHE-DEVIL" starring Meryl Steep.
Throughout Safire's career, she has proudly worked with some of the most talented and respected producers, songwriters and musicians in the industry such as; Carlos Rogers, Reggie Lucas, Tony Moran, Oliver Lieber, David Morales, Maurice Star, Jerry Brown and Kenny Diaz just to name a few, and she still continues to work and collaborate with the best.
Safire has never taken a break. Her heart is full of music and today she's still working on her craft, re-creating herself and developing new and exciting projects. This year of 2007 Safire has two singles about to be released, is finishing her dance album and completing a Latin/rock album. She has formed two publishing companies, Cosme Music and East Harlem Shuffle, and is currently writing songs for other artists. Additionally, Safire is developing her first calendar for 2008 with Francisco from Far Couture and she's still recording jingles and performing throughout the US and in the Caribbean Islands and will soon be filming a documentary about her journey as she pursues a career in film, TV and theatre.
Safire celebrates and loves what she was born to do. Each time you see her in concert today, theirs this electric feel good energy that's affectious and shines with lots of gusto. She wants all her fans to know that she thanks them all for all their love, respect and continued support. So, prepare yourself for a no-holds-barred, determined Latina woman who has a whole lot to bring, this year.
