The KTO Project celebrates Kelly's 50th birthday with her incredible band along with some very special guests! Kelly is also promoting arts and music in Zimbabwe, where she recently recorded her album, soon to be released, Mafaro eZimbabwe!
The KTO Project performs original music rooted in tradition. Led by Bay Area native Kelly Takunda Orphan, Kelly shares her unique social, cultural and personal perspective in her songwriting and arranging. The KTO Project debuted their first recording in 2004 and has hosted and performed with a variety of Zimbabwean artists, as well as collaborating with musicians from Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela and more.
The KTO Project is Kelly Takunda Orphan (lead vocals, mbira, ukuele, percussion), Amber Hines (vocals & percussion), Deszon Claiborne (drums), Zivanai Masango (guitar), Ayla Davila (bass) and Bob Crawford (keys).
The KTO Project is thrilled to announce their record release Mafaro eZimbabwe (Joy of Zimbabwe) coming in winter of 2019! This unique musical collaboration with Zivanai Masango (guitarist & producer) features a seasoned lineup of musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area as well as traditional and contemporary artists from Zimbabwe.
African-American singer, percussionist and cultural historian Linda Tillery, described Kelly and her music with the following words:
“Kelly Takunda Orphan has been on a long and wondrous journey, beginning with her Armenian roots to the percussion driven music of Zimbabwe, West Africa and the Caribbean. Orphan’s music reveals a rare breed of musician who carefully fuses together the music from disparate cultures. Her vocals are warm and lush and the music will make you want to dance.”
