Novala

An aspiring percussionist from a low income household in Southside Chicago, Zach Nazar took a longshot in applying to the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston where he found his passion for traditional West African and Afro-cuban rhythms.  He was inspired to study these musics from the source and traveled to West Africa to study with some of the great master percussionists. After teaching and performing in the New England area for years, he then traveled to Los Angeles, California to start a masters degree program for music education and performance where he met saxophonist Brandon Valerino, who had an affinity for deep soul-funk records of the 60’s. Instant brothers from other mothers, the two set off to weave the traditional Afro-latin musics with the funky soul music from the 60’s, igniting the etho-conscious awareness movement necessary to revive our society from the self-induced hyper-connected comatose.

Over the past few years of performing in community outdoor events and several upscale nightclubs, NOVALA has developed their performances into full interactive experiences, incorporating audience participation, drum circles, parades, guest singers and dancers, as well as live artists and visual projections.  NOVALA is grateful to have the opportunity to tailor these accommodations to any and all events.

NOVALA represents 21st century Los Angeles by combining West African and Latin rhythms with Western dance styles such as Funk, Rock, Jazz, and Hip-hop.  With a unique blend of instrumentation, from the full horn section to the array of Afro-Latin percussion, NOVALA is comprised of 10 highly sought after musicians in Southern California.

NOVALA brings a commitment to providing high energy shows that satisfy all generations of guests. NOVALA plays original Afro-Funk dance music as well as specifically chosen nostalgic covers that  audiences will recognize and remember.  Encouraging guests to occupy dance floors as well as incorporating audience participation into songs, NOVALA’S big and exciting sound will provide the music that brings your guests together.

In 2016, the group recorded and released their premier EP “NOVALA”, mixed and mastered by Alberto Lopez of renowned Afro-Latin Funk group, Jungle Fire.