Taipei Jazz Festival ~ Omolewa Osain of Belize

2018-10-08

The Omolewa Osain project is the inspiration of Carlos Perrote. Carlos, a naturalized Belizean originally from Cuba,  world class professional musician specializing in jazz and percussion quickly became very involved in the music industry in Belize, working with Belizean Great, Andy Palacio to produce many of Andy’s greatest hits.  Driven by his love of music and passion for percussion, Carlos teamed up with top Belizean Musicians to produce the unique fusion of Jazz, Cuban and Belizean rhythms prominently featuring the steel pan.

Living in Belize, Carlos developed a love for the steel pan which is a very popular instrument in Belize. After the untimely death of Andy, Carlos brought together a group of talented musicians to form the Omolewa Project. Their first album “Omolewa Osain” is a tribute to Andy Palacio and features a fusion of Belizean Garifuna, and Cuban rhythms, overlaid with jazz structures and harmonies ( CUGAZZ ). As Carlos said “Our roots are related to the rich rhythmic riches of the African continent.  Omololewa Osain is a mixture of all these rhythms riches. Dedicated to the memory of Mr.  Andy Palacio and his arduous work in spreading the culture of our countries.“ That first album featured steel pans and jazz improvisations along with Garifuna drums, reflecting Andy’s vision for “Garifuna Jazz” music.

In addition to Carlos, who is the leader of the group, Omolewa Osain features experienced pan players in Benoit Coye and Hiroko Kitamura on tenor pan, Herschel Armstrong on double tenors, and Feliece Zelaya on double seconds. The group also features Denmark Flores on Garifuna Drums, Elsworth Castillo on drums Set and percussion, and Lynn Young on bass.

The Belize Premium Jazz Band, “Omolewa Osain”, is invited by the Embassy of Belize to participate in the 2018 Taipei Jazz Festival on Oct. 24-29.During the period in Taiwan, besides the participation in the Taipei Jazz Festival on Oct. 27th , a performance at SEMXY music restaurant will be organized on Oct. 25th, as well as a small concert with students from Chinese Music Department of National Taiwan University of Arts and a flash mob at the park of YunKang Street on Oct. 26th.