NOSACONN
Building Cultural Exchange Between New Orleans & South Africa
Gallery
The History of the Batiste Fathers & Sons.
The Batiste family of New Orleans is a cornerstone of the city’s rich musical heritage, renowned for their deep roots in jazz, funk, and R&B. Spanning several generations, the Batiste lineage includes some of the most influential musicians to emerge from the Crescent City.
Beginning with David Batiste Sr., a pioneering figure in the development of New Orleans’ unique sound, the family’s legacy was furthered by his sons, including David Batiste Jr., who formed the legendary funk band The Meters. The tradition continues with Jon Batiste, a Grammy-winning musician who has brought the family’s influence to an international stage. Each generation has upheld and expanded the Batiste musical legacy, ensuring that the family’s impact on music remains enduring and profound.
NOSACONN Highlights the Collaboration of Mzansi Youth Choir and Jon Batiste
Mr Damon J. Batiste was the Pioneer that introduced the Mzansi Youth Choir to America’s Got Talent Production team. This takes place after the New Orleans South Africa Connection highlights the collaboration of the Youth Choir From South Africa with the Internationally Prominent Jonathan Michael Batiste who is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer, and television personality born and bred in New Orleans. The Global artist has recorded and performed with artists including Lil Wayne, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Willie Nelson, Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, Lana Del Rey, Roy Hargrove, Juvenile, Mavis Staples and more. It is at the heart of this organisation to cross-breed talents of diversed cultural calibres with a specific focus on South Africa and New Orleans, Locally, Regionally and Internationally. At the 64th Grammy Awards in 2022, Batiste’s We Are won the coveted title of album of the year. Now, he looks to repeat with the followup World Music Radio.
