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Ozomatli in South Africa
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Ozomatli will be making their first visit to South Africa in early October, 2008. Winner of three Grammy awards and two Billboard Latin awards, Ozomatli is dedicated to addressing social justice issues a hallmark of Ozo's work ever since the band formed in 1995 as part of labor protests in Los Angeles. Through their music, they will bring their message of strength in diversity and social transformation to Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Potchefstroom.
On Friday, October 3, the group will perform a free outdoor concert at the State Theatre in the Pretoria CBD. On October 4, Ozomatli, in association with OppiKoppi, will participate in the Aardklop Festival in Potchefstroom. Finally, on October 6, the group will take the stage at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. Ozomatli will appear courtesy of the U.S. Department of State, the State Theatre, the University of the Free State, and OppiKoppi.
According to Ambassador Eric M. Bost, “Music has a way of uniting people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and beliefs. Ozomatli has a particular talent for bridging cultural gaps and celebrating diversity in a way that young people intuitively understand. Their music grabs the audience's attention, and their message grabs its heart."
Ozomatli has performed on behalf of the Department of State in India, Nepal, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia and Argentina. They have released four albums, most recently Don't Mess with the Dragon, which received rave reviews. Ozo is not afraid to take on important social issues and uses its music to inspire transformation and appreciation of the richness of diversity.
Complete Ozomatli tour dates available here.
