wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Ozomatli is an energetic 10-piece band from Los Angeles that plays everything from Hip Hop to salsa, often accompanied by Japanese drums. Comprised of Chicano, Japanese, black, and Jewish musicians, their popularity is often attributed to L.A.’s wide demographics, but today on Soundcheck, they show why they’re catching on elsewhere. Also, some hopeful signs from the Middle East from an unlikely source. We look at the Unity Sessions, a concert taking place at the Celebrate Brooklyn festival that features leading Israeli and Palestinian rappers along with top, local-based Middle Eastern musicians who find commonalty beyond religious, ethnic and political lines.
Additional Resources:
» Ozomatli Web site
» More about the Unity Sessions