Ozomatli grooves

BY MARGARET ALLUM

Despite winning the 2002 Grammy Award for best Latin/rock alternative album for Embrace the Chaos, Los Angeles-based Ozomatli's music is still firmly rooted in the streets.

The band's commitment to political activism is strong. The Ozomatli web site features activist news and links to such campaigns as the fight for freedom by US political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal and the boycott campaign against fast food giant Taco Bell for its exploitation of Immokalee farmers. Ozomatli frequently supports progressive causes by playing benefit gigs.

Ozomatli play damn fine music with an uplifting beat — truly a joy to listen to. "Ozomatli" is the Nahuatl language name for the Aztec god of dance. The band's own style of cross-cultural fusion, which embraces Latin American and hip hop, celebrates life and the struggle.

Ozomatli will be performing at the Metro in Sydney on March 27, the Prince of Wales in Melbourne on March 29 and at the East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival in Byron Bay, NSW on March 30 and 31 (<http://www.bluesfest.com.au>). Visit <http://www.ozomatli.com>.

From Green Left Weekly, March 20, 2002.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

From GLW issue 485