Originally from Kinshasa, Congo, Mermans Mosengo (aka Mofaya) left his home more than 25 years ago in search of a better life. Upon his arrival to South Africa in 1998, Mermans joined the Young Bakuba Band as a drummer and bass player. Mermans then branched out on his own as a solo artist playing gigs all around Cape Town, however, he decided that he preferred a band set-up and assembled what is now a highly regarded multicultural band, Afro Fiesta.
Mermans joined the international Playing For Change band while living in South Africa, and eventually moved to LA with his family. As a member of the Playing For Change Band since its inception, he has performed more than 400 concerts in over 25 countries. Mermans shares his incredible life story in the film Mofaya.
Olokun Cultural Group is a traditional west African drum and dance ensemble led by griot and master drummer Najite Agindotan. Najite founded the drum circle in Leimert Park, a cultural nucleus for the African diaspora in LA. Najite’s immensely talented sons make up most of Olokun Cultural Group, alongside many accomplished dancers from the Leimert Park community.
The group often specializes in the artistic traditions of Nigeria (specifically those of the Yoruba people) as it is Najite’s homeland. Aside from the Yoruba and Urhobo musical traditions he learned from his own community, Najite studied and became very familiar with the drumming, music, and dance of other ethnic groups from countries such as Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Senegal and more.
When he was an adolescent, Najite came to be mentored and eventually taken as a godson by the great artivist and Afrobeat originator Fela Kuti. This relationship came to shape Najite’s own artistic trajectory in major ways, and to this day, Najite has made it his life’s mission to carry on the spirit of Fela by using his talents and his music to bring awareness to important social issues, to be a voice for peace and justice, and to bridge the gaps between different different cultures/communities to help bring about more unity in this world.
Originally from the suburbs of Washington D.C., Wadada Khufu Watts came to Los Angeles in 1979 to fulfill his vision in music, putting together a band call Inner Secrets that toured all over Europe. Wadada has opened up for Third World, The Wailers, Dennis Brown, and Joe Higgs, and played with Lauryn Hill, Guitar Shorty, Swamp Dog, and many more. His mission is to heal the with music and love.
Satyan’s vinyl selections are rare groove—some jazz, funk, boogie, disco, and everything in between. Anything that makes you move. We love the way Satyan feels the crowd and blends seamlessly from one sound to the next.
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 his passion for art, setting the foundation for what would become a lifelong commitment. Since then, his work has been a reflection of his experiences, capturing the nuances of everyday life in Rwanda, as well as his journey as a Black man in the USA.
Having moved to the United States at the age of 16, Gakwaya has carried the spirit of Rwanda with him, infusing his art with the stories and emotions of his roots. Over the past three years, he’s dedicated himself to his artistic practice, allowing it to evolve and mature. Gakwaya has been fortunate to travel within the US and back to Rwanda, drawing inspiration from diverse environments, people, and landscapes.
During this period, Gakwaya has developed a distinctive artistic voice. His art is a celebration of Black joy and a reflection of the resilience of the Black community. Gakwaya aims to connect his past with his present, and hopefully, with a broader audience.
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.
Ozi Brown has spent over 20 years crafting Caribbean cuisine. As a young man in Jamaica, Ozi would travel the island and cook for the Rasta 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.
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 Jamaican artists Ky-Mani Marley, Yami Bolo, Junior Reid 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 LA. He gained popularity for his pop-ups outside of Los Globos in Silver Lake, where he’s fed many people. Since then, Ozi has been a trusted chef in the music industry for the Marley family, Lauryn Hill, Mario, and WondaGurl, to name a few. Whether he’s handcrafting meals as a private chef or bringing the flavor and spice of Jamaican cuisine to the vibrant city of LA, his passion remains strongly rooted in his culture.
ALL CHILL is a hip-hop ice cream shop in the historical Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles serving culture, community and cream. With a dose of memorabilia and rare artifacts, the shop offers a combination of classics and creative concoctions made with the best ingredients for a super premium ice cream experience. We also offer ice cream service for events and a limited line of branded products.
Boketto serves fresh brewed cold brew teas and coffees, using only fresh premium ingredients. They have teamed up with some of North America’s best Roasters and Sommeliers as they travel the world in search of sustainably farmed Artisan teas and coffees.