Keita Ogawa

He started his music career on drum set at the age of 15.

After performing regularly in Tokyo for several years, Keita decided to pursue his musical studies overseas. He was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in fall of 2005 where he studied with legendary musicians and educators Manuel “Egui” Castrillo, Jamey Haddad, Tito De Gracia, David Rosado, and Mark Walker. Seeking full immersion into the world of Brazilian percussion, Keita relocated to Rio de Janeiro for 3 months and studied with the some of the country’s most respected musicians- Jorginho do Pandeiro, Celsinho Silva, Kiko Freitas, and Marcio Bahia among others.

Since his arrival in America, Keita has worked with some of the biggest names in modern music including Yo-yo-ma, Assad Brothers, Charlie Hunter, Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Le Nubians, Romero Lubambo, Clarice Assad, Jaques Morelenbaum, Osvaldo Golijov, Eric Harland, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and more.

He also played and composed music called “Starting Five” with “J-Squad” (New York based 5 Japanese Jazz Musicians) for one of big National Japanese News TV Program called “Hōdō Station” since April 2016.

Currently he works several projects like, Snarky puppy, J-Squad, Banda Magda, Bokantè, Camila Meza and the Nectar Orchestra, Clarice Assad and more.

Also He is endorsed by Canopus Drum, Meinl Percussion, Sabian Cymbal, Vic Firth, Evans Drum Head, Cooperman Company, Dem Sticks, Parka Percussion and Decora 43.

Keita can virtually play any percussion instrument and musical style with fluency and unparalleled musicality. Despite his youth, he has set an example for the next generation of world-class musicians. Keita’s passion for crossing musical borders and uniting differences in cultures is a rare talent which he exhibits with a smile and an open heart.

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