Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

September 7, 2002 - Issue 69

Keith Secola

"The human race, is the face, of all people, different tongues, one heart."--Keith Secola

Recently, we had the pleasure of hearing Keith and the Wild Band of Indians perform at the Minnesota State Fair. Not only do they play some mean blues, they play with humor and style. Keith has a way of getting the audience involved in the music, and the stories. For those of you in the Twin Cities vicinity, don't miss Keith at the Benefit Concert for Project Offstreets on Saturday, November 2, 2002 at The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis, MN.

Keith Secola is Anishinabe (Ojibway/Ojibwe) originally from the Mesabi Iron Range country of northern Minnesota.

Keith recently performed at Saturday's Canada Night celebration presented by the Canadian Government, during the North American Indigenous Games. Earlier this year, Secola and the Wild Band of Indians performed at another major sporting event, the international Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A two-time Native American Music Awards winner, Secola is well known for his ever popular song "NDN Kars", which may be the most requested song on native radio in the United States and Canada (also featured on the soundtrack of the hit Canadian Native cult movie, "Dance Me Outside").

Multi-talented musician, singer, songwriter and composer, Secola has again been recognized by the Native American Music Association for his current single/EP "Kokopelli Blues" -- nominated this year in the categories of Song/Record of the Year, Best Blues/Jazz Recording and for Artist of the Year. Featured on the single is John Densmore, former drummer of The Doors; Jim Creegan of the Canadian band Barenaked Ladies also appears on the EP.

While Secola attributes the recent successes of Native rockers in part to a growing sophistication about marketing, the music and the message remain at the heart of the movement. Secola's songs communicate his ideals of humanistic harmony while engaging issues of Indian identity and the evils of racism.

"The way I approach music is to use humor as an educational tool, as a weapon," he says. "If I was to stand up and put my fist up and talk about this brutal history, I think it would turn off more people than if I made people laugh and think. Native artists have to be a bit clever."

Secola's music is a unique blend of folk, rock, reggae, and world beat with a distinctive Native American sound. It's what Secola calls Native Americana music--"representing the diverse roots of American music that includes the traditional and contemporary sounds and expressions of the indigenous people." Some of his songs incorporate electric guitar with native flute, tribal drums and native chants.

No matter what the age or ethnicity of the audience, Secola's music successfully bridges all generations and all people. Be prepared to join in, sing along, do a round dance, and enjoy one of the premier entertainers in Indian Country today.

To learn more about Keith, his schedule, and listen to sound clips, visit his site at:

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