Ike Woods and Lady Val by Melton Mustafa, Jr

MMOJO IKE & LADY VAL

Stage name and where are you from? We are Mojo Ike and Lady Val. I was born in Miami and raised in Hollywood, Fl. by my parents, Rev. Willie and Mrs. Emma Woods. Val was born in Santa Monica, Calif. and raised in Overtown, Miami by her grandmother, Mrs. Ollie McCoy. Who inspired you to become a musician and how long have you been performing? Ike: My dad inspired me and I've been playing for 56 years. Val: It's more of what than who inspired me to become a singer. The love of people and being able to touch their hearts with my singing and words makes me happy. Did you learn music in school? If so, tell us about that experience? Who was your music teacher(s) and what impact did they have on you? Ike: Before 9th grade, my Dad taught me three cords. I practiced and I grew from there. In 9th grade, I learned to play the clarinet. In 12th grade, I joined the McArthur High School jazz band playing guitar. Mr. Desobow was the band leader. A fellow musician and friend, Leon Dixon taught me to read music. Val: I was in the Booker T. Washington's chorus. Mrs. Mable Glover was the director. I always admired her talent and discipline. Mr. Leroy Washington, our beloved drama teacher was a great inspiration, also. Why did you pick your instrument and was it your first choice? Ike: My mom and dad always said that I was born to play the guitar. As soon as I could hold one, I began to play it. Val: I've always enjoyed singing. As a child, I would sing in the bathroom and the whole neighborhood would hear me. Everybody seemed to enjoy my singing. What is your favorite song or original composition to perform and why? Ike: My favorite song to perform is "Butterfly" an original song. I love the simplicity and the intricacy of it. Val: One of my favorite songs to perform is "Angel in Disguise", another original. I love this song because it's the story of my being raised by my grandmother. How do you describe your playing or compositional style? Ike: I play blues gospel, jazz, country. Put them all together that's me. Val: I agree. Our style is a little of every genre blended with a lot of Mojo Ike and Lady Val.

What are some the challenges you face in the music industry? Ike: Getting our music played on radio. What are you doing to inspire the next generation of musicians? Ike: Through teaching guitar, I've helped a few generations of musicians. Val: We have also held workshops. And we both agree that it is always important to give words of encouragement and love during every performance. Who is your favorite male and your favorite female artist and why? Ike: Marvin Gay and Nancy Wilson because they're smooth. Val: It's hard to pick two. There are so many talented artist. But, if I must choose, Chris Brown and Etta James because of their soulfulness. Who are you listening to? Ike: I am listening to Andres Segovia. Val: I am listening to African artist, Sona Jobarteh. What’s your greatest accomplishment? Our greatest accomplishment was winning the 2006 Battle of the Bands in Monterey CA., and opening for Buddy Guy, Jerry Butler and others. We got a record deal with Sony Records just before coronavirus. Where can we buy your music and how can we keep in contact with you? Our music can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon and all of the digital stores, wherever Sony Music is sold.

Like us on Facebook: Mojo Ike and Lady Val Website: www.MojoIkeandVal.com Also, please view our videos on YouTube.

God Bless! Ike Woods and Lady Val mojoikemusic@yahoo.com

south florida

since 2007

www.wijsf.org

Kui Peng (aka Erin) was born and raised in Shanghai, China. She is a logistics professional with international experience in purchasing, import/ export, warehousing, security, facilities planning, staff management, and cost controls. After college, she worked as a logistics manager in a multi-international company in Shanghai, before moving to the USA to pursue her career. She received her Bachelor’s in Transportation and Logistics and an MBA from the University of North Florida. She is a member of Certified in Transportation & Logistics from the American Society of Transportation and Logistics. She developed and implemented a Department of Transportation driver’s compliance program which brought the company from 0% to 100% compliance. Erin is intelligent, energetic, outgoing, and easygoing with a great love for animals. She is a licensed accountant, customs broker, and entertainment agent. With her wide range of work experience from logistics and retail to relocation of companies, she started a new career in the entertainment business. She is the coowner of World Entertainers Booking Entertainment Specialist Team Agency, LTD. based in Hong Kong, China (www.webestagency.com). Melton Mustafa Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Miami, Florida, where he started playing music in high school under the direction of Mr. Frank Neal at Miami Carol City HS. He is the son of international jazz trumpeter and composer Melton S. Mustafa. He is honored as a two-time GrammyNominated Educator and has been featured at Jazz in The Gardens in Miami.

Mustafa holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Ed from Florida A&M University where he served as section leader of the saxophones and head of the Dance Routine committee for the legendary Marching 100. Mustafa performed with the FAMU Strikers at the Apollo Theatre and traveled worldwide with the Marching 100. Mustafa’s Master’s Degree is in Education from FIU, where he is working on his Doctoral Degree in Leadership. Melton works as Professional Music Educator at Parkway School of the Arts and is an Adjunct Professor at Florida Memorial University.

As a director, Mustafa conducted the Star Spangled Banner for the Jr Olympics, directed a show for the Super Bowl entitled Global Rhythms Local Beat, served as the musical director for the From the Porch, featuring Danny Glover, directed the band and choreographed the featured Marching in Master “P” and Little Romeo’s music video, Two Way, on BET TV show Access Granted, the making of the video. Mustafa received a grant to start a community band at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center.

Melton Mustafa Jr.

Discography, Stage, and Film Credits

• More Than Words - Mr. Sax Butterfly • St. Louis Blues • Sea B Marrah • Betty Pageant • Ike and Val Woods Live at Tobacco Road • Pieces of a Pisces • Jesus Was A Capricorn • Guest Artist for the show By Kids for Kids • The Language of Music -Tom Dowd (Film) • The Buddy Holly Story Actor’s Play House (Off-Broadway) • Apollo Theater (Striker dance troupe) • Scenes from Miami Vol. 1 • The Traveling Man