Damon J. Batiste: New Orleans-South Africa Music Ambassador
Damon J. Batiste: New Orleans-South Africa Music Ambassador
A Confluence for Two Nations
By Robyn Loda
Somehow the stars have aligned to create a great cultural ambassador and economic genius among us in 36-year-old Damon J. Batiste, a member of the well-known musical family. His brainchild, the New Orleans-South Africa Connection (NOSACONN), is shaping the heart of the 35th annual Jazz Fest with a major celebration of South Africa’s first decade of political independence.
Inspired by the need to discover his roots in Africa, Batiste created a one-of-a-kind relationship with the musical culture of South Africa. It not only provides cultural exchange between our two nations, but also impressive economic results for both sides including more than 250 jobs.
“Africa has turned me on as an African-American businessman to things that money just can’t buy,” explains Batiste, who has tirelessly pursued his dream for eight years. “It’s made me realize how valuable cultural experiences really are. Here in New Orleans, we are raised on a wealth of culture. But it’s clear that there is need for economic opportunity for both South Africans and New Orleanians.”
What’s his secret for success? “When God has you put your hands on things, He provides the right relationships.” Batiste also plunged into the project as he always approached his goals (thanks to a great work ethic he insists he received from his family), under the premise that God helps those who help themselves. “I don’t believe that there are no opportunities. You have to go out and make them if they are not evident. So I got educated about what I needed to do, prayed to God, learned to write grants and obtained a 501c3 for NOSACONN to become an official nonprofit.”
He also spent (and still spends) countless hours in South Africa each year, with the help of Jazz Fest’s Quint Davis, personally interacting with musicians in each province, from villages to international cities. It was very clear that cross-cultural relationships with South Africans needed more than a dangling wallet to inspire confidence. A deep, personal commitment and a vulnerable human side were the keys.
“The same kind of thing goes for obtaining the support of local and international business people,” says Batiste. “We had to be patient and understand that a history of good work behind us was essential to building trust. So right when we started out, people were more skeptical, but time has proven that we’re serious about this project and also serious about stimulating the economies on both sides.”
He didn’t get wrapped up in people needing proof in the pudding; he assumed they would. So he persevered and created the proof. “With the South African people themselves, they were distrustful because so many Americans have tried to basically exploit them. Now they know we’re working for them, too, because we truly do respect them. I am always so taken by the South Africans’ intelligence, for example. Many of them speak five languages. There are 12 official languages in their country.”
NOSACONN clearly inspires resounding trust. “The South African government has identified this as one of the major events to mark ten years of democracy,” says Thandiwe January-McClean, Deputy-Director General, Department of Arts and Culture, Republic of South Africa. “Through the Embassy in Washington, D.C., [our] government saw the potential in the partnership. In South Africa’s view, the anniversary of ten years of democracy offers an opportunity not only for celebration, but also for a renewal of the commitment to address the many remaining challenges.” NOSACONN speaks directly to both cultural and economic challenges. Accordingly, the South African government responded by sponsoring the transportation expenses for its many musicians to perform here.
On the American side, national, state and local politicians and business people also heartily back the endeavor. “Louisiana state senator Diane Bajoie has been our biggest supporter,” says Batiste.
Throughout the gestation of his NOSACONN dream, Batiste has worked for Jazz Fest for the last 15 years, a commitment that’s led him from administrative assistant to his current position as assistant director for educational workshops. Again his track record inspired great trust. Quint Davis, producer/director of Jazz Fest, comments, “We’ve featured numerous countries at the festival over the years, but never has the synergy been so strong. The tenth anniversary of South African democracy coinciding with the thirty-fifth anniversary of the festival is a magical moment of literally global proportions … this is going to be the most Jazz Fest Jazz Fest ever.”
While other young men of 36 might be partnered and raising a child, Batiste continues his round-the-clock “single-parenting” of his NOSACONN brainchild. Although he insists that he has received the blessing of tremendous support and council from many, the fact remains that it’s been a predominantly one-man mission. “I’m fortunate that I can handle a lot of things at once and work under serious pressure,” says Batiste. “But I’m excited that this year could bring a full operations budget that includes real staff.”
Still this N’awlins drummer keeps his eyes on the prize. “No matter how intense this kind of project is, when you hear great music that you’ve never heard before, it’s all worth it.”
This year’s Jazz Fest will include 14 South African acts and a smorgasboard of the country’s culture. Check out NOSACONN’s Web site for more information at www.nosaconn.com.
Robyn Loda is a freelance writer living in New Orleans for the second time and loving it. She is a regular contributor to Beat Street. Contact her at rloda@aol.com.
It seems you must have been very good in a former life to be born into the renowned Batiste family of New Orleans musicians. But certainly such a pedigree and a gene package for great chops are alone no recipe for success. Even coupling those advantages with 15 years working your way up at Jazz Fest won’t necessarily inspire one to greatness.