Najite & Olokun Prophecy
Continuing the legacy of Fela Kuti, who used his music as a weapon to fight against injustice and for Pan-African empowerment and cultural pride, Najite & Olokun Prophecy make music to move bodies and minds in the spirit of a universal vibration that connects all. Band leader Najite Agindotan was born in Lagos, Nigeria, where he became a protege of Fela Kuti. After traveling to the U.S. and playing with such jazz legends as Horace Tapscott and Billy Higgins, Najite formed his own group in 1983, and continued to keep the pulse of African music beating strongly in the west coast.
OLOKUN CULTURAL GROUP
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GAKWAYA
Gakwaya’s artistic journey began in Rwanda, a country known for its beautiful hills and rich culture. In the third grade, a teacher's encouragement sparked my passion for art, setting the foundation for what would become a lifelong commitment. Since then, my work has been a reflection of my experiences, capturing the nuances of everyday life in Rwanda, as well as my journey as a Black man in the USA.
Having moved to the United States at the age of 16, I've carried the spirit of Rwanda with me, infusing my art with the stories and emotions of my roots. Over the past three years, I've dedicated myself to my artistic practice, allowing it to evolve and mature. I have been fortunate to travel within the US and back to Rwanda, drawing inspiration from diverse environments, people, and landscapes.
During this period, I have developed a distinctive artistic voice. My art is a celebration of Black joy and a reflection of the resilience of the Black community. I aim to connect my past with my present, and hopefully, with a broader audience.
ALISON ROSE JEFFERSON
Alison Rose Jefferson is a publicly engaged independent historian, heritage conservation consultant and a third generation Californian. Presently her research and professional interest revolve around the intersection of historical memory, American history, the history of the African American experience in Southern California during the twentieth century great migration and Jim Crow era, intersection with heritage conservation, spatial justice and cultural tourism. She is also interested in her work’s intersections with the experiences of people of African descent in other global settings.
Along with other work activities utilizing her knowledge and skills expertise, she has written a book, Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era (University of Nebraska Press, 2020). This study examines how African Americans pioneered leisure in American’s “frontier of leisure” through their attempts to create communities and business projects, in conjunction with the growing African American population of Southern California during the nation’s Jim Crow era. The places Jefferson’s examines illustrate a range of recreation and relaxation production purposes and societal encounters at beach and inland locations.
SAMADHI
A Los Angeles native with roots in both LA and Hawaii, Samadhi was raised in a Hindu ashram and trained as a female monk in the Philippines.
At 19, she returned to LA to pursue her passion for music. After being a solo artists for many years, Samadhi has found her sound with an amazing group of talented musicians. Breaking genre boundaries and creating their own sound, Operatic Soul. The group includes Samadhi Bishop (lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and writer), Rufus Phillips (lead guitarist, co-writer/producer), Metebrafor Agindotan (bassist, co-writer/producer, and backup vocalist), Isaac Herzog (drummer), and Michele Capra (backup vocalist).
JUST SATYAN
Just Satyan is a designer and music selector with a talent for finding the perfect groove in each moment. Always in tune with the crowd, Just Satyan’s vinyl sets are fun, fresh, and classic.
OZI’S KITCHEN
Ozi Brown has spent over 20 years crafting Caribbean cuisine. His greatest inspiration for cooking came from his father, who enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. As a young man in Jamaica, Ozi would travel the island and cook for the Rastafarian community during Nyabinghi celebrations. Through this experience, he learned ways to make food that not only tasted good, but also nourished the mind, body, and soul. “I love to feed people! At that time I wasn’t a chef, I just loved to cook and people loved to eat my food,” says Ozi.
Before finding his rhythm in the kitchen as a professional chef, Ozi grooved to the beat as a percussionist – touring the world and performing alongside multiple Jamaican artists like Ky-Mani Marley, Yami Bolo, Junior Reed, The Congos, and more. His passion for music remains, but his instruments eventually evolved into pots and pans.
Today, you can find Ozi preparing delicious Caribbean dishes for events throughout Los Angeles. He gained popularity for his pop-ups outside of the Los Globos entertainment venue in Silver Lake, where he’s fed many people in the music and entertainment industry. Since then, Ozi has been a trusted chef in the music industry for the Marley family, Lauryn Hill, Mario and WondaGurl just to name a few. Whether he’s handcrafting meals as a private chef for his celebrity clientele or bringing the flavor and spice of Jamaican cuisine to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, his passion remains strongly rooted in his culture.