Artist description Guitarist-lyricist Mokai uses a variety of styles "unearthed" from American roots music to create an original sound. Percussive bass and dynamic treble lines lay down groove for songs driven by strong, poetic lyrics. Mokai's music encompasses the poetic irreverence of Ani DiFranco and the grit and soulfullness of Ben Harper. His songs are like Bob Dylan meets Bob Marley in Latin America with Michael Hedges on guitar. Mokai delivers powerful messages with beautiful music.

Music Style Folk-Jazz-Blues

Musical Influences Bob Dylan, Woodie Guthrie, Bob Marley, Simon and Garfunkle, CSNY, Big Bill Bronsey, Django Reinhart

Similar Artists Ben Harper, Michael Hedges, Dave Mathews,

Artist History As a child, Mokai (pronounced Mo-keye) found freedom in the woods near his house. From the first notes of the song "Out to the Woods," he creates a space. The sunny tranquility of the forest and the music of a nearby creek are there in his intimate fingerstyle guitar. With simple, passionate language, Mokai builds the mood, singing of a defining moment in his own life: the destruction by developers of the forest he played in as a child. Angry over the loss of his freedom, he left home at 16, hitchhiking across America with his guitar in tow. His wanderings took across the North American continent, Europe and Central America. At each turn he absorbed styles and folklore from local players, developing his own signature guitar sound. Landing on the West Coast, he was drawn to the defense of the last wild places. From the mountains of Oregon to the redwoods of California, he lent his body and his songs to the struggle for endangered wildlife and habitat. During one Pacific Coast forest action, he came to be known as Mokai, and his songs have since been heard at rallies and gatherings-in support of the environment, social justice, and against war.

Group Members Mokai

Instruments Guitar

Albums Unearthed

Location San Francisco, CA - USA

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