From the heart of LA to the global stage, the Ozomatli revolution continues
BY LA Stories Staff Los Angeles
PUBLISHED 6:00 AM PT Aug. 25, 2025
In a new episode of “LA Stories,” host Giselle Fernandez sits down with three founding members of Ozomatli to reflect on their 30-year journey from the chaos of the 1992 LA riots to becoming a Grammy-winning global sensation.
Rooted in community activism and cultural pride, the band formed while protesting for workers’ rights and transformed that fire into a musical force blending cumbia, hip-hop, funk and traditional Mexican sounds.
Despite industry doubts about their unconventional 10-member lineup, they defied expectations and toured the world.
As bassist Wil-Dog says, “A 10-piece band with horns and not one front person is never going to work. And here we are, 30 years later.”
Throughout the conversation, Ozomatli emphasizes their commitment to social justice and how its music serves as both medicine and a megaphone for marginalized communities.
From standing against ICE raids to uplifting farmworkers through live performances, the band sees itself not just as entertainers, but also as cultural ambassadors for the unheard.
They speak candidly about the continued relevance of issues they’ve been fighting since the beginning, and how those injustices still fuel their passion today.
“It’s kind of sad that some of the things we were protesting that long ago are still relevant now, right? Immigration rights, women’s rights,” said saxophonist Ulises “Uli” Bella.
As they launch their “30 Revolutions” tour, Ozomatli aims to spark connection and community in every city they visit, staying true to the roots that made them who they are.
The founding members say they hope to inspire the next generation of change makers while staying vocal about injustices both local and global.
With new music like “Red Line” paying tribute to working-class dignity and resilience, their mission continues to evolve but remains grounded in love and resistance.
Guitarist Raul Pacheco sums it up best: “We’re representative of these communities in LA that we’re from, and we wear that on our sleeve everywhere we go.”