OZOMATLI

Since its inception in 1995, innovation and creativity have defined
Ozomatli. Hailing from Los Angeles, the group found a way to
represent the city’s eclectic culture through music that appeals to the
local community and the world beyond. Ozomatli’s success is
exemplified in an impressive variety of genres from classic to modern
Latino, urban, hip-hop and other world styles. The “Dioses del Baile,”
or “Gods of Dance,” have created one of the most exciting, captivating
and flat-out fun live shows touring today. They continue to harness
their musical instincts by conceiving new concepts and forging new
sounds that keep fans on their toes and the world dancing.
The latest recording is an album of classic Mexican hits reimagined
with a reggae feel. Titled Non-Stop:Mexico ? Jamaica, it pays homage
to the band’s Latin roots, allowing them to personalize songs that
defined their youth and in turn, become part of Latin and Pop music
lore. Produced by drum & bass reggae legends, Sly & Robbie (Bob
Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Madonna, No
Doubt) and featuring various high profile guest vocalists, the album
recreates the magic of classic Latin hits with a reggae dancehall vibe
that only Ozomatli could make feel as natural as waves rolling in the
Caribbean sands.
The album was born from the group’s desire to pay tribute to the
Mexican styles that influenced their youth. Originally conceived as a
tribute to mariachi and Norteño, the band decided to expand the
concept and include old and new artists and cover more eras all under
the umbrella of reggae. Pairing reggae dancehall instrumentals with the
already eclectic variety of Mexican music spoke to the band’s desire to
do something uniquely authentic for its 20th anniversary. The album
includes classic Mexican songs such as “Sabor a Mi” and “Besame
Mucho,” but also songs by contemporary Mexican acts like Cafe
Tacuba and Mana, Mexican-American greats like Selena, and classic
legends like Santana. Ozomatli has always brought people and cultures
together with their music and that is exactly what this album embodies,
merging Jamaican influences with Mexican roots to lend an original
Ozo sound to songs we all know.
Prior to paying respects to the classic Latin catalogue, Ozomatli was
creating its own repertoire adored by fans and critics alike. The band
catapulted to the top of the live music scene with its first eponymously
titled album. The impact of the then 10-piece band’s album was felt
throughout the music world, and earned them the opportunity to open
for Carlos Santana on his Supernatural tour. Following the success of
its first album and touring with Santana and Mana, Ozomatli released
its sophomore album, Embrace the Chaos, which garnered a Grammy
award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album. The follow up album,
Street Signs, won both the same award and the Latin Grammy Award
for Best Alternative Music Album in 2005.
Ozomatli takes firm stances on various social justice issues. Their
work focuses on giving voice to Latino culture, opportunity to children,
fighting for workers’ rights, and promoting global unity and peace
amongst people, cultures and nations. Ozomatli were named Cultural
Ambassadors for the U.S. State Department in 2006, was the first
musical group to speak at the TED Conference in San Francisco, and
performed for President and First Lady Obama at the Congressional
Hispanic Caucus Institute’s 32nd Annual Award Gala.
In addition to politics and social issues, Ozomatli emphasizes the
importance of family and children. Ozomatli has strived to make music
to be shared through the generations and have even recorded music
specifically targeted towards children and families. Their 2012 release,
Ozomatli Presents OzoKidz, features all original children’s music that
captures the innovation and liveliness that Ozo fans have become
accustomed to, while educating children on the values of nature and
knowledge. The band continues to perform the album at special
OzoKidz concerts, where parents and children alike dance and play
along on OzoKidz kazoos.
With Non-Stop, Ozomatli continues creating music for entire families
and communities. By recreating these classic Latin songs, Ozo
redefines their meaning and reimagines their beauty for generations to
come. As Ozomatli percussionist and MC, Justin Poree, puts it,
“Anyone who is eight or 80 will recognize “Sabor a Mi” or “Besame
Mucho.” These rhythmically and melodically rich songs bridge the
generational gap, captivate all who listen, and beautifully mesh a
variety of rich cultures.