Okai Musik:
MEET OKAI MUSIK
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to Haitian parents, Okai is a world-traveled percussionist, M.C., and producer who has captivated audiences globally with his extraordinary talents. With a deep-rooted passion for rhythm, Okai embarked on his musical journey as a percussionist, mesmerizing and healing listeners with his captivating beats. His rhythmic expertise has taken him to North, Central, and South America, Japan, and Africa.
Okai‘s dedication to his craft knows no bounds. He has immersed himself in the rich tapestry of rhythms from the African diaspora, mastering Bomba on the Barril drum from Puerto Rico, Rumba and Son from Cuba on Congas, Vodou rhythms from Haiti on the Rada and Petwo drums, Cumbia and Bullerengue from Colombia on the Alegre drum, and West African rhythms on the Djembe drum, among others. His passion for exploring and preserving these diverse musical traditions showcases his commitment to honoring and sharing the cultural heritage and history of these communities.
As a talented M.C. and producer, Okai showcases his creativity across many genres. His notable works include the albums “Tonight We Fly” (Afrohouse) from Oyasound, “Dekonstruktion of the Mind” (Hip-Hop), and “Int’l Party” (Regime Change). Collaborating with singers, rappers, and producers, Okai crafts a unique sound that resonates with listeners worldwide. He is also a co-founder and lead vocalist for Strings N Skins, alongside Grammy-winning violinist La Lulu from Colombia, and the lead vocalist of the acclaimed group Brown Rice Family, which won the WNYC 2012 Battle of the Boroughs championship. Okai‘s exceptional talent even led him to perform at the Haitian Ambassador’s Ball in Bogota, Colombia, showcasing his percussion skills to the Colombian government.
In addition to percussion, Okai is a seasoned conch shell player with a decade of experience. Playing the conch shell is a heartfelt ode to his Haitian ancestors and the indigenous Arawak and Taino people of the Caribbean. Through the evocative sounds of the conch shell, Okai ensures that the spirits of his forebears are not forgotten. The conch shell serves as a universal healing instrument, resonating in ceremonies and communication across cultures like India, Tibet, Nepal, Hawaii, and Ancient America. Okai‘s dedication to this ancient art form transcends borders, creating a harmonious bridge between tradition and contemporary expression.
In the realm of dance, Okai‘s rhythmic talents have been sought after by renowned dance ensembles such as Soles of Duende, Bombazo Dance Company, Kimani Fowlin, Renegade Dance Company, and Ase Dance Company. His rhythmic artistry has resonated through prestigious venues like Jacob’s Pillow, Bates Dance Festival, Gibney Dance, The Joyce Theater, Chelsea Factory, Drew University Dance Department, and Mark Morris Dance Company.
In addition to his performance career, Okai is a dedicated teaching artist. He imparts his knowledge through collaborations with NYC-based non-profits, including Little Orchestra, BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), Haiti Cultural Exchange, Town Hall, Brooklyn Museum, and the Department of Education. He has facilitated drum and beat-making workshops at Carnegie Hall and Ifetayo, inspiring musicians and fostering a deeper appreciation for percussion and producing. Okai‘s commitment to education and community outreach underscores his role as a cultural ambassador, spreading the joy of music and empowering others through his teachings.
MUSIK work
“Tonight We Fly (Aswè A Na Vole)” is a tribute to the sounds of the African Diaspora. From the hypnotic Kongo vodou rhythms of Haiti to the berimbau sound of Angola and Brazil, to the AfroHouse of South Africa, the tracks of this album build an immersive experience of what it means to bridge tradition and innovation. Thanks to its electronic and spiritual rooted beats, this music impacts every listener. Symbolically, the album title means “…to be proud of the little that you have. It may not be a lot, but it’s yours. Don’t let anyone make you think less of yourself or the power that you have. Be so proud that you feel like flying because you are so happy and joyful.” Fly on!
RESUMES
MUSICAL EXPERIENCE
Strings N Skins: Percussionist/Vocalist
Stringsnskinsmusic.com
Brooklyn, NY 2015-present
Founded in Brooklyn, by Haitian vocalist and percussionist Okai and Colombian vocalist, dancer, and Latin Grammy Award Winning violinist, Luisa Bastidas. Strings N skins is unparalleled, and has been recognized as one of the most distinct bands of New York City.
Together they have performed at Brooklyn Museum, BRIC tv, Shea Stadium, and Cali Colombia.
Brown Rice Family: Percussionist/Vocalist
www.brownricefamily.com
Brooklyn, NY 2009-Present
Brown Rice Family is today’s freshest world roots band jamming towards global solidarity and organic happiness. Guided by a strong belief that there is a natural flow to life, BRF provides the masses with a distinctively organic World Roots Music, which encompasses Jazz stylings, Afrobeat, Reggae, Rock, Latin rhythms, Hip-hop, and Funk. The band is presently comprised of eight members hailing from all over the world—Japan, Jamaica, Haiti, Nigeria, South Africa and USA. In 2012 BRF won the WNYC Battle of the Boroughs out of 542 bands. First we won for Brooklyn then we won for the best band in all the boroughs of NYC. Together we have performed all over the United States, Japan several times and Cote D’ivoir, Africa.
Bombazo Dance Co: Drummer/Vocalist/Dancer
Bombazodanceco.com
The Bronx, NY 2012-Present
Bombazo is a 501(c)- 3 non-profit drum and dance company, whose mission is to preserve, educate and showcase traditional Afro Puerto Rican Bomba, Afro Caribbean and traditional folkloric elements.
Okai Musik: M.C./Producer/Percussionist
Brooklyn, NY 2004-Present
I have two solo albums. The first album was entitled Dekonstruktion of the Mind, that had a single on it which earned the #1 spot on college charts in 2006. The second album was called Okai’s Odyssey. I have been fortunate enough to travel to Australia, Africa, Brazil, Canada, and Japan spreading the message of Haiti and unity.
I am also a producer/percussionist for OyaSound.com, a Afrohouse music label based in Brooklyn NY.
teaching artist
Carnegie Hall: Teaching artist, Musical director, Project leader.
Bronx and Brooklyn, NY 2014-Present
Bronx Hope school, Bronx NY present 2016-present
Crossroads Detention center, Brooklyn, NY 2014
Belmont Academy, Brooklyn, NY 2015-2016
Horizon Detention Center, Bronx, NY spring 2015
Brown Rice Family in which I am lead vocalist/percussionist, creates music with youths in juvenile detention centers using live instruments and beat making program. This process is followed by an intense writing workshop to add lyrics to the music they helped us create. BRF goes into the studio to record the music and adds vocals of students on to the track. To finalize the project we put on a performance along with the participants for the staff, parents, and their friends.
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM): Teaching Artist, Curriculum development.
Brooklyn, NY 2017- Present
Every year BAM focuses on a particular music and dance of the African Diaspora. Last year was South Africa, this year the focus is on Rwanda music and dance. Teaching artist are required to take music and dance workshops and develop a curriculum that we can implement in classrooms throughout schools in Brooklyn. The purpose is to get students familiar with the Dance Africa show at BAM that takes place in May.
Discovering the music of the African diaspora Curriculum:
Bombazo dance co various schools and senior citizen homes in the Bronx
P.S. 307 Pioneer academy Queens, NY- 2013-17
P.S.189 Brooklyn, NY- 2015-17
Etap Jenes Delmas,Haiti- 2015
Brooklyn Generation High School Brooklyn, NY- 2012
This curriculum focuses on playing various percussion instruments, music history of the African Diaspora and its influence on today’s music.
HOW TO BOOK ME
DRUM LESSONS
Visit my calendly link below to schedule a lesson with me.
PERFORMANCE
To book me for a performance or other inquiries, email me.
okaimusik@gmail.com