MOKILI WA is a world-groove fusion band from Santa Cruz that features musicians from central Africa and the Bay Area. Formed organically from a mutual connection to a Congolese guitarist, Elie Mabanza, they were drawn together by the gravity of his sound and spirit. His unique music understanding and warm-heartedness formed the community known as "Mokili Wa". Best described as polyrhythmic world fusion with jazz, funk and afrobeat influences, their music creates an exciting, truly unique blend of African and American sounds and rhythms.
"Mokili Wa" means "world listeners" in Lingala and Lari, Elie's native languages of the Congo, and they are here to converse; to hear and be heard through rhythm, melody and story.
Nathan Okite is a guitarist and composer whose musical talent has earned him recognition on both sides of the Atlantic. As a young boy growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, Nathan learned from his father the African fingerstyle guitar popularized by Jean-Bosco Mwenda. Nathan later continued his music education in the United States, studying classical guitar and jazz performance in university. He is a versatile musician who has collaborated with artists from around the world in various musical styles including Kenyan benga, afrobeat, highlife, jazz, and more.
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"Mokili Wa" means "world listeners" in Lingala and Lari, Elie's native languages of the Congo, and they are here to converse; to hear and be heard through rhythm, melody and story.
Nathan Okite is a guitarist and composer whose musical talent has earned him recognition on both sides of the Atlantic. As a young boy growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, Nathan learned from his father the African fingerstyle guitar popularized by Jean-Bosco Mwenda. Nathan later continued his music education in the United States, studying classical guitar and jazz performance in university. He is a versatile musician who has collaborated with artists from around the world in various musical styles including Kenyan benga, afrobeat, highlife, jazz, and more.
MOKILI WA is a world-groove fusion band from Santa Cruz that features musicians from central Africa and the Bay Area. Formed organically from a mutual connection to a Congolese guitarist, Elie Mabanza, they were drawn together by the gravity of his sound and spirit. His unique music understanding and warm-heartedness formed the community known as "Mokili Wa". Best described as polyrhythmic world fusion with jazz, funk and afrobeat influences, their music creates an exciting, truly unique blend of African and American sounds and rhythms.
"Mokili Wa" means "world listeners" in Lingala and Lari, Elie's native languages of the Congo, and they are here to converse; to hear and be heard through rhythm, melody and story.
Nathan Okite is a guitarist and composer whose musical talent has earned him recognition on both sides of the Atlantic. As a young boy growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, Nathan learned from his father the African fingerstyle guitar popularized by Jean-Bosco Mwenda. Nathan later continued his music education in the United States, studying classical guitar and jazz performance in university. He is a versatile musician who has collaborated with artists from around the world in various musical styles including Kenyan benga, afrobeat, highlife, jazz, and more.
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"Mokili Wa" means "world listeners" in Lingala and Lari, Elie's native languages of the Congo, and they are here to converse; to hear and be heard through rhythm, melody and story.
Nathan Okite is a guitarist and composer whose musical talent has earned him recognition on both sides of the Atlantic. As a young boy growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, Nathan learned from his father the African fingerstyle guitar popularized by Jean-Bosco Mwenda. Nathan later continued his music education in the United States, studying classical guitar and jazz performance in university. He is a versatile musician who has collaborated with artists from around the world in various musical styles including Kenyan benga, afrobeat, highlife, jazz, and more.
show less
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1984 Bonita Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
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