Date:10/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/10/stories/2007021008110200.htm

New Delhi

"The people's music" is here

Mandira Nayar

MUSICALLY YOURS: The Ozomatli group

NEW DELHI: In the world of music dominated by singers, Ozomatli is a group that is different in very many ways. Not just its name, its music is "politically conscious''. And on its way to demonstrating that music can transcend boundaries whatever they are, Ozomatli is going to perform in India and Nepal.

Two times Grammy winners, Ozomatli certainly take their music seriously.

Multiracial and multiethnic, this Latin hip-hop group is proof that music can bring people together.

Continuing its commitment to community involvement and outreach, it will aim at targeting young people.

Apart from winning the two Grammies, it also has in its kitty two Billboard Latin awards. On its tour of India and Nepal it will perform in Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Kathmandu. The American Center and Span magazine have sponsored the tour.

The group has participated in U.S. tours with Santana, the Dave Matthews Band, Los Lonely Boys, Lenny Kravitz and others.

A mega-international touring phenomenon, Ozomatli describes its brand of music as "the people's music''.

Coming with the promise of "a memorable evening", Ozomatli will perform this coming Tuesday at The Ashok hotel lawns in New Delhi. Its next concert will be in Chandigarh on Valentine's Day. And moving from the North to the South, it will perform in Bangalore on February 19. Meanwhile, the band will travel to Kathmandu for youth outreach and a concert on February 17.

Like the members, Ozomatli also brings together different instruments from around the globe into an interesting mix, achieving a unique fusion. Its latest album, "Don't Mess with the Dragon'', is due to be released in India later this month by Universal Records. Music producer K. C. Porter, who is best known for ushering Ricky Martin and Carlos Santana to the top of the charts, guided the album.