Services

One-Man Performances

Oneko's one-man performances embody a "griot" vibe. He utilizes a variety of African traditional drums, to flutes, to woodwinds, and conches. Accompanied with spoken word and song, it usually results in an interactive ending with audience participation.

Oneko also produces and directs to incorporate other art disciplines, including dance, acrobatics, and visual arts. He enjoys creating the soundtrack for live theatre productions. He is open to new concepts and will have creative ideas to add to your vision.

Photo: courtesy of Moyo Creative Studios for Island Tribe; @moyo_creativestudios

Session Percussion (Recording)

Oneko has recorded on 100s of songs, mainly on percussion. He also has experience recording flute, woodwinds, and spoken word. He loves the challenge to add percussion to a recording that already exists. He also creates raw rhythms on which full songs and albums can be built around. Oneko can be directed and can also organically ride-the-rhythm and create the sounds from thin air. He would love to give you something unique to work with.

Parties & Group Sessions

Ideal for corporate meetings to family gatherings alike, Oneko is able to create a unique and entertaining session designed specifically for you. Oneko has entertained in a plethora of locations, including the middle of the beach, to conventions, to weddings. Through the use of instruments sourced using only materials from the earth, group drumming merges each person's vibration from an individual field to a collective consciousness. There's scientific evidence that suggests that the vibration felt from group drumming has positive impacts on the cellular level of existence. He has also worked with upscale party planners to bring elegant and elaborate visions to life.

Photo: Courtesy of Radhi Shetty

DJ Jahneko- African Reggae Enthusiast

Oneko is a walking encyclopedia for reggae music and is passionate about the arrangement of sound. The most common yardstick for reggae music today is Jamaican reggae. Other musical genres from Africa are also heavily involved in the reggae sound. The line in between is where you hear a 3rd dimension of the sound, otherwise known as "Overtones". That is where you will find "DJ Jahneko."

Oneko is also into the art of mixing his live percussion with recorded music. He is able to do this when he's the DJ, or as an addition to another DJ. Oneko also has a full PA sound setup available for rent for small events.

1:1 Drum Lessons

Finding your groove and making the most of it is the mission of one-on-one sessions. Oneko has taught students as young as 2, and as old as 90. Being a teacher is very much about listening. Oneko listens to each student to develop a teaching curriculum that will meet their needs, from the simple basics of drumming elements to a high level of creative drumming. He is available to teach all types of drums and percussion, including djembe, bongos, congas, ohanglas and others. 1:1 lessons in person are preferred in the southern California area, from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, but zoom classes can be arranged. Also available to travel if requested.

Touring Percussionist

Oneko ventured on his first tour in 2002 from Africa to Europe. He has vast experience on the road all over the world with artists of multiple genres. Oneko has primarily toured as a percussionist, backing headliners of major festivals on multiple continents. He possesses a unique ability to "fill in the gaps" to enhance the overall sound. He understands what it's like to be on the road and thrives in the nomadic environment that only a touring band member knows. Oneko is open to short-term or long-term engagements that are the right fit, both with his talents and personality.

Photo: Courtesy of Parker Bartlett; @solseastar

Rasta Tam Creator

Oneko is a gifted artisan. He has been handcrafting rasta tams for 3 decades. He hand crochets every stitch of his unique hats and no two exist that are the same. They are created with positive intentions and are made by catching a vibe. Part of his process involves the use of fire - with the intention to burn any negative energy in the area of the crown.

Oneko has been commissioned to make hats for several of the greatest reggae artists on the planet. Currently, you can purchase his works directly from him on his online store. He also maintains an Etsy Shop with other Kenyan handmade treasures: https://thedesertrasta.etsy.com.

Podcast Host

Oneko has the gift of gab and is a literal encyclopedia of reggae history and music! He recently created and began hosting a podcast called "Reggae Vinyl Dissection, with Oneko." This show airs twice weekly from The Vinyl Pharmacy in Palm Springs, CA and can be heard at www.palmspringsvinylradio.com This hour-long podcast showcases lesser known reggae records with Oneko offering commentary in between playing the tracks as the artist intended them.

Oneko would be happy to host or guest on your podcast! Reach out for inquiries.