Kathmandu:

They came, they performed and they conquered thousands of Nepali hearts as they sang and danced before the Nepali audience for the very first time on February 17.

It was most probably the biggest crowd that had gathered at the Khulla Manch which had nothing to do with any political meeting or dem-onstration. People from different walks of life had gathered to celebrate music with two time Grammy-winning band from Los Angeles Ozomatli.

The concert sponsored by USAID and the American Center was held with the theme ‘Different instruments but one music. Together we can make a prosperous Nepal.’

The enthusiasm of the crowd proved that music is a universal language that can be understood by all. Ozomatli, the multi-ethnic band of nine members, with their wide array of musical styles did not fail to win fans, and that too in thousands, in the Himalayan kingdom on this Saturday afternoon.

Whether it was Hip-hop or Latino or just funky rock, the band was successful in keeping the crowd enthralled. Many of their songs were in Spanish, but this did not keep the crowd from enjoying the music, and singing along in the foreign language (as guided by the singer).

It was a big surprise for the organisers as the enthusiastic crowd of 8,000-plus was much bigger than their expectations. The very interactive band members not only asked and made the crowd groove along to their music, but also boogied to their own beats. The energy and the excitement of the crowd went higher as the dull day got sunny and bright.

The band members tried to speak the little bit of Nepali that they had picked so far, which made the crowd scream in surprise. As their band name comes from Aztec astrological symbol of monkey, which is god of dance, fire and music, they warmed up the crowd with their music and dance.

Even after their rocking performance got over, the crowd kept on screaming for more, and the band appeased them by belting out three more songs.

The concert started with a smashing performance by Robin and the New Revolution. They performed a few of their popular songs like Nepal, Keta/Keti, Jati maya laye pani, Bhete maile shiva ji and Dum Maro Dum.

Ozomatli was here with the sole purpose of spreading the message of peace and understanding. As they are a multi-ethnic and multi-racial group, they feel that diversity is a strong foundation on which a better future can be created.

It’s kids first

KATHMANDU: The excitement of the children at the orphanage run by Umbrella foundation was unbridled on February 17. Instead of sleeping late on a Saturday morning, they had woken up early and were patiently albeit very eagerly for the band Ozomatli, who were to perform exclusively for them.

The Grammy-winning band was welcomed by the children’s loud cheer when they made their appearance right on time — 8:00 am. The band was in Kathmandu all the way from Los Angeles with the mission of spreading peace through music.

Though the band had come to sing for the children here, who are have either been rescued from child traffickers or those displaced in the conflict, they were pleasantly surprised to see the children too had planned some entertainment for them.

The programme started with the small children dancing to a Tamang Selo, which was very well enjoyed by the band, as was another dance performed by the boys of the orphanage. However, it was the evergreen Nepali song Resham Phiriri performed by the children that made the Ozomatli members clap and tap their feet.

And the wait for the children was finally over when Ozomatli took over.

Though the songs were in English and Spanish, it did not stop the children from enjoying the music. With funky songs and fusion music created using different instruments, Ozomatli created an electric environment. The children did not seem to get enough of the band’s performance and kept screaming for more.

Bassist Wil-Dog Abers said that it was a great pleasure for the band to come and perform for the children.

A great performance, well liked, well received and enjoyed much by the very guests that it was meant for. — HNS