Mizik Ayiti! Residency | Okai Musik | Jan 15, 2025

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Okai Musik is a Haitian 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 vibrating beats. His rhythmic expertise has taken him to North, Central, and South America, Japan, and Africa.

His genre expansive career throws original and national rhythm into dancing beat across Hip hop, Afrohouse, Afro-indigenous sound and beyond.

Okai Musik’s six week residency at HCX will feature unique performances weekly, including an album release party, Afrolatino night and solo performances.

Performances will take place on Thursdays from December 18, 2025 - February 5, 2026 from 6-9pm.

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Suggested donation includes a complimentary beverage.
Special pop-up offerings with local Haitian restaurants.
Limited capacity, RSVP strongly recommended.

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About the musician

Okai Musik‘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. https://okaimusik.com/

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HCX | Mizik Ayiti! Residency

HCX positions this invitational residency as an opportunity to innovate and workshop concepts and works-in-progress, showcase new work, and build networks for artists’ future presentation (e.g. booking, touring) at other cultural institutions and stages.

Rarely do artists receive a consistent opportunity to create and share in “real time”–to develop their ideas in a beta form, experiment, and refine amidst presenting publicly. Over the course of 6 weeks, resident artists receive a platform to fine tune approaches, activate jam sessions, and explore sonic possibilities while developing relationships with their audiences.

On Thursday evenings, artist-composers host unique sets joined by a rotation of guest artists and ensembles. Performances offer the opportunity to showcase new work and workshop arrangements across the musical landscape, from traditional genres reverberating the strength of the tanbou to the contemporary sound like fusion jazz and electronic music carrying Haitian vibration into the future.

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