National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

L.A.-based alternative Latin rockers Ozomatli were recently invited to represent the United States in India and Nepal as "Cultural Ambassadors" on a Fullbright-Hays grant from the US State Department. From February 11th—21st, 2006, the band toured the two South Asian nations as guests of the U.S. Embassy's "Unity In Diversity Program."

According to press release from the band's label, it all began when Sharon Hudson Dean, Deputy Director of the American Embassy in Kathmandu first heard Ozomatli featured on National Public Radio progam. "Morning Edition" while living in Washington DC. After Ms Dean relocated to Nepal, she told her counterpoints at the US Embassy in India what she knew about the band's vision, and all agreed Ozomatli were the perfect band for the "Unity in Diversity" program.

Ozomatli became the first western band to perform in Nepal, and their shows there were recognized as the first peaceful non-protest, non-political mass gathering ever organized in modern Kathmandu. Ozomatli met with the top 15 youth leaders in Kathmandu to discuss proactive, positive and creative means to get their voices and messages heard, and ways for those with differing points of view to communicate without conflict.

The "Unity in Diversity" theme was created to celebrate the newly ratified Peace Accord there. Nepal is currently crippled by protests and strikes, and many feel on the verge of democratic collapse. Just days before Ozomatli's perfomance there, separatist groups demonstrated in the area, burning tires and bringing traffic to a halt. It is also where Maoist leader Prachanda had recently addressed tens of thousands after being underground for 25 years.

As guests of the Cultural Affairs Department of the US Embassy in India, the three time Grammy award winning band played to packed shows in New Delhi and Chandigarh. Ozomatli also visited the Arya Orphanage and the Prayas Juvenile Aid Center, where the band and children exchanged musical performances, and the band gave a master class at the Ravi Shankar Institute.

Ozomatli are extremely proud and honored to have been a part of such a definitive moment in Nepal's modern evolution. Ozo member Ulises Bella adds, "life changing and mind blowing are cliches that are too often thrown around, but what else is there to describe a trip to India and Nepal... the opportunity to perform for these audiences, whether it was in the concert halls or orphanages, is a gift that we as group will always cherish in a very deep chamber of our collective souls."

Ozomatli releases their fourth full length studio album, "Don't Mess With The Dragon" April 3rd in the US on Concord Records. For more information, consult the band's website.