Zeyla Tomlyn Brings ‘Circle Singing’ to UNFINISHED After Work with McFerrin

“I sing, I dance, and therefore I am” is how Zeyla Tomlyn, a talented artist, describes herself. Zeyla, a singer, composer, producer, songwriter, and Sound Healing Practitioner, will join the UNFINISHED festival (September 27-29) to lead a participatory workshop using the “circle singing” technique, developed by Bobby McFerrin, the musician behind Don’t Worry, Be Happy. She adds her own creative twist to this method, incorporating spontaneous lyric writing, free-form dance, sound healing, and playful word games.

Born in Brașov, Zeyla studied music production and songwriting at the London Songwriting Academy. She has worked with world-renowned artists and mentors, such as Alicia Keys, Timbaland, Armin van Buuren, and Roger Treece (collaborator of Bobby McFerrin). Currently based in Germany, Zeyla collaborates with artists worldwide and uses sound healing and life analysis to help people unlock their creative and spiritual potential.

Circle Singing at UNFINISHED

At the festival, Zeyla will host a live concert and a circle singing workshop. This group improvisation technique allows participants to create spontaneous music without prior preparation or training. The practice, which can involve groups from two to hundreds, is popular in Western countries because it encourages collaborative, in-the-moment harmony.

Zeyla shares her excitement for UNFINISHED: “You are invited into a safe space where you can express yourself freely. I will guide you to open your voice, connect with your inner inspiration, and sing together to create a spontaneous choir. Expect dance, solos for those who want to shine, sound healing, rhythm games, and African soul vibes, supported by my drummer colleague, Mircea Ardelean.”

Zeyla’s music defies categorization, drawing on influences from jazz, soul, funk, hip hop, gospel, African rhythms, and shamanic folk. She has released four albums: Comet (with Freqax), Never Been Better (in collaboration with Vladimir Coman-Popescu), I Wish I Knew (a jazz album recorded in New York with musicians from Berlin and NYC), Dreamer (produced with Pantam Dance), and her solo album White Cat, featuring Mircea Ardelean, with whom she will perform at UNFINISHED.

What’s Happening at UNFINISHED 2024?

The festival, held in a 4,000-square-meter urban oasis in Bucharest, features a historic greenhouse and a 153-year-old heritage house. Over three days, 3,141 attendees will engage in workshops, artistic performances, conversations, immersive installations, well-being activities, and communal meals.

Created to emphasize the importance of human connections despite our differences, UNFINISHED brings together diverse experts and creatives. Some of the guests for this year’s edition include Monika Jiang (community builder), Adelina Toma (slow-fashion designer), Răzvan Petri and Dan Adamescu (founders of Politică la Minut), poet Ben Okri, Alin and Tibi Ușeriu (founders of Via Transilvanica), and multisensory artist Grace Boyle.

How to Apply for UNFINISHED

As always, participating in the festival requires time and commitment. The only way to gain access to the UNFINISHED community is by completing an application where you’ll share your values, motivations, and what you bring to the festival. Applications are open at www.unfinished.ro, and only 3,141 participants will be selected this year.

The UNFINISHED festival is held under the high patronage of the European Parliament. More details about this year’s edition and more speakers are announced on www.unfinished.ro and the event’s social media pages.