Hailing originally from Nagasaki, Japan, Keita Ogawa is a multi Grammy nominated and Grammy Award winning percussionist and drummer. His versatility and style make him one of the most sought after in New York City.
Keita started his music career on drums at the age of 15. After performing regularly in Tokyo for several years, he decided to pursue his musical studies overseas. He was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in fall of 2005, where he studied with legendary musicians and educators Manuel “Egui” Castrillo, Jamey Haddad, Tito De Gracia, David Rosado, and Mark Walker. Seeking full immersion into the world of Brazilian percussion,
Keita relocated to Rio de Janeiro for 3 months and studied with the some of the country's most respected musicians - Jorginho do Pandeiro, Celsinho Silva, Kiko Freitas, and Marcio Bahia among others.
Since his arrival in America, Keita has worked with some of the biggest names in modern music including Yo-Yo-Ma, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Assad Brothers, Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Clarice Assad, Jaques Morelenbaum, Osvaldo Golijov, Les Nubians, Charlie Hunter, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and more.
In 2017 He became the Ambassador of Tourism of his Hometown, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan who presented him in 2022 with a Civic Honor Award. In addition to being a member of Snarky Puppy, he also plays with Bokanté and Banda Magda.
He is endorsed by Canopus Drum, Meinl Percussion, Meinl Cymbal, Vic Firth, Evans Drumhead, Cooperman Company, Dem Sticks, Parka Percussion and Decora 43. Keita can play virtually any percussion instrument and musical style with fluency and unparalleled musicality. Keita's passion for crossing musical borders and uniting differences in cultures is a rare talent, which he exhibits with a smile and an open heart.
