Members
TBA
Biography
ZOZOAFROBEAT.COM
ZOZOAFROBEAT/Born in the Republic of Benin and raised in Nigeria, Kaleta grew up recording and performing with legendary Nigerian musicians Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade. After moving to the U.S., Kaleta toured with Femi Kuti, and most recently with Lauryn Hill.
During the course of his career, Kaleta has garnered a reputation as the most approachable of Fela Kuti’s former bandmates, in terms of availability and willingness to collaborate with other bands, including Akoya Afrobeat and Zongo Junction. He has lent his songwriting talents to the bands’ repertoires, in addition to recording and performing live with them. Kaleta has also mentored scores of young musicians and Afrobeat enthusiasts from the New School, Berkley College, and many other institutions.
Kaleta has also supplied his talents to the thirteen piece ensemble, Zozo Afrobeat, based in New York City. “Zozo”, taken from the Goun and Fon words for “something hot”, is an apt description for the sound of the band. Through their music, the band pays homage to the afrobeat legends with whom Kaleta has played and toured: Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade. Much like Fela Kuti, who challenged a corrupt Nigerian government, Kaleta writes songs that are both socially and politically provocative, while maintaining a keen sense of humor and a message of hope.
On stage, Kaleta displays remarkable energy – singing, dancing and playing guitar and percussion. The band responds accordingly, delivering cascades of horns, hypnotic Benino-Nigerian rhythms and captivating solos. Kaleta performs songs in English,Pidgin English, Yoruba, Goun, Fon ,Ewe and French, and delivers each of them with unmatched conviction and soul.
Kaleta’s debut solo CD, “Kaleta Jaa” was recorded in Nigeria and New York, and released in 2003. Following the release of “Kaleta Jaa”, he recorded and released CDs with Akoya Afrobeat and Zongo Junction, as well as the newly formed Zozo Afrobeat. Kaleta is now working on his latest CD, entitled “Felabration”, which is a tribute to Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti. Kaleta has been working on the CD for three years, and has worked with over 100 musicians and session men, in five recording studios. Faced with several obstacles during the production of the CD, Kaleta has been diligent in his drive to complete it, despite the lack of assistance from record labels. The CD is currently scheduled for release in August of 2012.
FACEBOOK/ZOZOAFROBEAT
Record Label
INDIE KALETAMUSIC
Influences
FELA KUTI /JAMES BROWN
BOB MARLEY
OTIS REDDING/JIMMY HENDRIX
Manager
LEON LIGAN MAJEK
Agent
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Links
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