If the city of Los Angeles had a soundtrack, it would be Ozomatli. Since their formation in 1995, the six-piece, multi-genre band has been a cultural force. There, they blend Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae, and global influences into an unmistakable sound that embodies the energy and diversity of L.A. In 2025, Ozomatli celebrates an incredible milestone: thirty years of bringing their dynamic, genre-defying music to audiences around the world. To mark the occasion, Summer 2025 kicks off their 30 Revolutions Nationwide Tour. Thus, this is a celebration of three decades of music, community, and culture.
The ensemble boasts six founding members. Asdru Sierra (vocals, trumpet), Raul Pacheco (vocals, guitars), Uli Bella (saxophone, vocals), Wil-Dog Abers (bass), Jiro Yamaguchi (percussion), and Justin Poree (vocals, percussion. Here, they have remained true to their mantra: “We take you around the world through the heartbeat of Los Angeles.” Their music is a vibrant collision of styles. Further, they draw from salsa, dancehall, cumbia, samba, funk, merengue, New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga, and Indian raga. Also, this eclecticism is at the heart of their sound, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
As they embark on their fourth decade, Ozomatli stands as a symbol of Los Angeles’ past, present, and future. Here, they are a band whose music is as multifaceted and vibrant as the city they call home. Here’s to thirty years of Ozomatli, and the next chapter in their global musical journey.
Recommended for fans of The Pharcyde, Talib Kweli, Santana and Jurassic 5.
