Artist Management
Pablo Batista
International Master Percussionist
A four-time Grammy winner and Oscar winner - Pablo Batista has performed, recorded, and toured internationally for 30 years with some of the biggest stars in Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, Latin, Pop, and Gospel.
He played with artists, as diverse as, Alicia Keys, Patti Labelle, Kirk Franklin, Jill Scott, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osborne, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergrass, Diane Reeves, Norman Brown, Manny Oquendo and Libre, Eddie Palmieri, and Musiq.
A drummer of unusually diverse talents, he is highly regarded for his professionalism, tireless work ethic and ability to listen and integrate his playing into almost any style at the highest level of musicianship.
He holds the rare distinction of having performed on Grammy-winning releases in Jazz, R&B and Gospel, and has performed as a guest with the Philadelphia Orchestra Percussion Ensemble.
Jazz Philadelphia's Hometown Heroes: Spotlight on Percussionist Pablo Batista
Discussions in Percussion: Percussionist for Alicia Keys, H.E.R. & More!
Michel “Labex” Labaki
International-bassist - Composer- Entrepreneur
Michel Labaki – Labex – was born and raised in Lebanon. Influenced by his mother who is a pianist, he developed a longing for music, and particularly the guitar.
Labex started off as a guitar player, but switched to the electric bass at the age of 15. He soon became one of the prominent bass players in Lebanon at the age of 20. Labex has been involved in the continuing development of various musical techniques and styles –funk, latin, and fusion world music – and has stood out in his sense of lyricism and melodic bass lines.
He introduced a new technique to the world of bass –The Stap. Through the stap technique, Labex combines drumming on the drums, tapping on the guitar, and slapping on the bass, together to create this amazing skill to perform on the bass guitar.
Labex released his first Bass Lab in 2013. It is available on Amazon MP3, Xbox Store, Apple iTunes, Spotify, Anghami and all major platforms.. His second album “Dear Mother” was released in january 2015 and is now available online via leading providers suh as Amazon MP3, Xbox Store, Apple iTunes, Spotify, Anghami and all major platforms.
Endorsed by: Fodera, Aguilar amps, GruvGear & Lathon Bass wear
The Bush bandits
AN Unforgettable Musical Journey
The Bush Bandits is a group of musicians who share a deep connection both personally and musically and has resulted in something special. Their journey from individual experiences in various musical endeavors to coming together as a cohesive unit is quite interesting.
Anne 'Anixa' Steenkamp and Ad Buter, the lead singer and guitarist, had an immediate click, not just personally but also musically, which laid the foundation for their musical journey. Starting with "Wonder Woman and The Garbagemen," they ventured into writing, composing, and producing songs together.
PABLO & LABEX
The instant connection between Pablo and Labex started when they met through a dear and mutual friend, Dennis Guevara. Dennis worked with Pablo for quite some time as a conductor and pianist. It quickly became evident that they shared a passion for each others' style of music, and inspired them to collaborate on mixing the 2 styles together. Pablo is known for his Latin Jazz style, and Labex, known for adding a Funk fusion twist to songs. Sharing the same vision regarding music production, this combination sets off a cool vibe and something to look out for! Those 2 will be performing gigs and concerts everywhere possible.