Hokago

The cross-genre instrumental group, HOKAGO, features Japanese natives, Takuya Kuroda, Keita Ogawa, Martha Kato, and Moto Fukushima. Each having developed careers as individuals in New York City’s jazz scene for over a decade, the group came together in 2021. A highly-respected trumpeter, Kuroda is a forward-thinking musician that has developed a unique hybrid sound blending jazz, soul, Afrobeat, and hip-hop music. In addition to his own group, he has performed with some renowned artists such as José James and DJ Premier. Fukushima, a six-string bassist and composer, has redefined the role of the bass. He performs regularly with his co-lead band, House of Waters, as well as jazz icons, Mike Stern. Ogawa is a Grammy-winning member of Snarky Puppy, and one of New York’s most versatile and sought-after percussionists and drummers. He has a passion for crossing musical borders and uniting the sounds of various cultures. Kato, a pianist and composer, has been involved in cutting-edge projects including Remy Le Boeuf’s Grammy-nominated album Assembly of Shadows, as well as her own group, in which she is known for using her voice as an instrument. HOKAGO brings together the unique musical personalities of four prominent voices into a beautiful blend that defies genre.