Rising from jam band to cultural ambassadors by communicating through the universal language of music requires talent, objectivity, rhythm, and funk. Ozomatli exudes all these elements and does it with panache. The band is made up of down-to-earth, laid back Southern California dudes making a living doing what they love and sharing the fruits of their labor with the world. Ozomatli transcends the opaque realm of mainstream music by integrating their endeavors as activists with dope funky beats.
Ozomatli has accomplished much on a professional and global level since their inception in Los Angeles 14 years ago. Their roots and music are deeply seeded in the diverse culture of L.A., the City of Angels, which has deemed them Hometown Heroes.
Although colorful culture is a trademark of the band, Ozomatli’s four full-length studio albums transcend boundaries of world music. They throw in a distinctive hip hop sound on top of soulful, lively Latin beats, infused with intelligent raps, rhymes and harmonies.
Before the Headz Up Fall 2008 tour began, trumpet player and vocalist Asdru Sierra shared a few thoughts on Ozomatli’s past and future. After spending 262 days on the road last year alone, most people would expect Ozomatli to take a break before setting out on another tour. But Ozo members are so dedicated, the decision not to tour was inconceivable.
‘On the road the vibe is there,’ Asdru said. With many fans eager for a fifth studio album to release next year, Ozomatli is taking full advantage of the creative chemistry prevalent on the road. In addition to some unreleased sample track ideas, Ozomatli will be pumping out the classics with none other than original founding member, Chali 2na. ‘It’s like seeing your parents get back together. It’s cool and we are really happy to be hitting the road with him again,’ Asdru said. ‘He is still on our records and I am really looking forward to performing together live again.’ Ozomatli and Chali 2na never endured nasty break-up drama; they just happened to have shared the talented rapper with Jurassic Five. ‘At the time Ozomatli was gaining momentum, so was J-5. And J-5 was Chali’s baby. We always had his back and he always had ours. With his strong voice, live shows are always fun,’ Asdru said.
Ozomatli has always involved themselves with the community through their music. Formed in the post-uprising 1990s Los Angeles scene, Ozomatli took a stand and threw together a multi-racial crew that could jam. By 2007 Ozomatli was well known as the voice of L.A.; as people were noticing around the world, the band extended their reach to a national and global level. The U.S. State Department invited Ozomatli to serve as official Cultural Ambassadors on a series of government-sponsored international tours. One such tour in Nepal -– to celebrate the country’s newly ratified peace accord – drew over 14,000 people. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal released this statement in the days following the concert: ‘Ozomatli is living proof that diverse backgrounds make a stronger and more prosperous whole. Ozomatli’s nine members are committed to addressing social issues of local, national, and international importance, and they use the power of their own diversity to achieve this.’
Given Ozomatli’s role as activists, the timing of the Headz Up Tour may seem like a well-planned platform for the band to promote voting and change, yet the timing is a matter of coincidence, said vocalist and trumpet player Asdru Sierra. ‘We use our music to promote peace and make a better world for our children. This is a scary time for us all. I think the power has always been in us people, we can make the change,’ he said. ‘The things we take for granted, being one of the most well-off countries and the fact that we the people are allowing these crazy things to happen, is heartbreaking. Our country’s propaganda has affected the way the people of the world view us as people, not just our government.’
Tackling social issues and making people dance feverishly is all a turn of the hat for this band, which consciously chose the universal medium of music.
‘It’s a language far more universal than politics,’ Asdru stated in the closing quote of the band’s 2008 bio update. The band as a whole reflects the same notion, making music to bring people together, blurring racial divides and cultural biases to promote peace and understanding. ozomatli.com
Catch Ozomatli live at the Crystal Bay Club and Casino Nov. 13 in the Crown Room. Tickets are $30 and doors will open at 9 p.m. with a performance by ‘Slank’ to get the party started. Buy tickets at crystalbaycasino.com.
