Band :
510-893-4875
PR: mari@abazaar.com
415-626-6141

More Reviews:

"Thanks for telling us about the show. We went to the Oakland Box and loved it!"
- a new fan

Notes from Steve Kent interview on KPFA

Contacts:
Band: Kelly 510-893-4875
PR: mari@abazaar.com 415-626-614

Kelly page 1

Interview with Kelly Takunda Orphan

Kelly Takunda Orphan “Gives it to the People” on her Bauy Area Spring 2004 CD Release Celebration Tour.

I met Kelly at Peaburry’s in Oakland, near the Rockridge BART station to discus plans for her upcoming Bay Area Spring 2004 CD Release Celebration Tour.

Q - What sparked your interest in music?
A - I was raised in a family of musicians. My father is a drummer. My mother plays piano. My brothers play guitar. We had no TV and we went to a church where music was a big part of the ceremony.

Q - What was your first instrument?
A – I first sang in public at the age of five. I took piano lessons and took up percussion when I turned 20.

Q - What was the subject of the first song you wrote?
A – Love, when I was a kid. The first song I ever performed live was “Behold” about the healing process. Embrace the darkness in order to come into the light.

Q - When did you decide to teach?
A – When I couldn’t find a job after getting a music degree.

Q - When did you know you were hooked?
A – I’ve always been there. I remember a strong physical reaction, at a very young age, when I first heard “Brick House”

Q- Outside of music, what is your biggest passion in life?
A – Traveling and making connections with people around the world. Dancing Cooking and Gardening.

Q - Which groups inspired you the most as a writer?
A – Ethnic groups and primary education for the music. Bonnie Hayes is a mentor.

Q - Who do you sound like?
A – Bonnie Raitt meets Agelo Kidjo meets Sade.

Q - What motivates you to be creative?
A – Creativity is the heart of life. Everything.

Q - What do you want your audience to get from your performance?
A – To feel lifted, hopeful about the world. If they don’t cry, or dance, or scream, I haven’t done my job.

Q - What is the nicest thing a fan ever said to you?
A – I am in heaven. Your music absolutely reaches my total being. I love your deep velvet powerful voice. Your words are written for me and my life…”

Q - Who have you been compared you to?
A – I’ve been called an ethnic Norah Jones. A fan’s description of the “Give it to the People” CD ” …it reminds me of the Harry Bellafonte records my mom always plalyed – great instrumentation, rich vocals and meaningful lyrics. So inspiring..."