OTM..s main goal is to bring people together in Cyprus by providing a basis for artists from Cyprus and beyond to work freely together with respect and harmony. The label was established by Haji Mike and Zeki Ali in 2003, who met a couple of years previously on the internet. Back then Cypriots could only meet in Cyprus, without restrictions in cyberspace, due to the division and political stalemate that has dogged the island for decades.
The two, poet and MC began writing lyrics online and exchanging ideas. Haji Mike then involved a long time reggae producer, Stand Out Selector from PSM in San Francisco, who with support from the US Embassy's Bi-Communal Program came to Cyprus and assisted with recording a 7 track demo. This developed into Poetz4Peace, a unique band who released 'A Pair of Olive Leaves' in 2004 and toured California, including The Sierra Neveda World Music Festival.
The next OTM release, with support from the United Nations Office for Projects in Cyrpus developed from 3 workshops where the studio was located in different places and people came from all over Cyprus to record. In addition completed tracks were also submitted from local and international artists. At the end of this process 'Cyprus Thing Vol 1' was compiled and released. A double CD of urban and world music with 19 artists and 29 tracks. It was an ambitious project, one of a kind, that provided room for expression for young and well established acts.
n 2005, Haji Mike began work on 'The StoryMan' which was released in 2006. The third solo CD by Haji Mike was recorded in Nicosia, San Francisco, London and Athens and resulted in the 2006 'Power of Words Tour - From Pomos to San Francisco'. For more details check www.myspace.com/hajimike1
Currently we are working on Cyprus Thing II and live poetry performances from Poetz4Peace, who now tour as a poetry collective, with percussionist Sonero, Beat Poetry Style.
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3 releases to date
A Pair of Olive Leaves - Poetz4Peace
Cyprus Thing Vol 1 - compilation of 29 tunes from 19 artists
The StoryMan - Haji Mike
plus 2 CD's singles available as free freedownloads
VOTE FOR BABYLON - Spill The Milk feat HAJI MIKE & AARON KEDAR
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