Chan Chan
In Peru, the Chimu Kingdom, with Chan Chan as its capital, reached its apogee in the 15th century, not long before falling to the Incas. The planning of this huge city, the largest in pre-Columbian America, reflects a strict political and social strategy, marked by the city's division into nine 'citadels' or 'palaces' forming autonomous units.
The logo, which we have come to know as Chan Chan, is a representation of how we view ourselves individually and how each individual forms an autonomous unit in Citizen Mundi.
Canuto
Erick Donis was born in Venezuela, where he spent the first 17 years of his life living in various countries throughout South America. Always fascinated by the sounds of drums, Erick had his first experiences with the instrument in a local marching band. He played in several bands before he moved to the United States to attend school at Oklahoma State University and graduated in 2005 with a major in International Business. Erick has contributed in the Tulsa local music scene and has been featured in several projects, namely 'Word of Mouth'. Now, an essential member of Citizen Mundi, he defines the grooves with his roots and shares his concepts of political and social movements.
Ryan
Ryan Tedder was born in Tulsa, OK in February of 1986. He was eight years old when he began to learn his first musical instrument, the clarinet. Ryan continued to learn and perform on various wind instruments before the unique sound of the saxophone caught his attention. After sitting lead tenor saxophone in a statewide audition-only jazz ensemble in 2003 and 2004, Ryan went on to play with the University of Tulsa jazz ensemble where he currently sits 2nd tenor. Ryan was approached to join Citizen Mundi in late 2004 and to date continues to bask in the unique international grooves presented by the group.
Mike D
Michael Drummond was raised in Tulsa, OK. He picked up the trombone due to the influence of his father, a professional Bass Trombone player with the Tulsa Philharmonic. While at UCO he performed extensively with the Jazz Ensembles and Wind Bands. He performed as a recognized soloist at 3 International Trombone Association Conclaves and also toured extensively with 'The Martini Kings' a popular swing band. He graduated in 2001 with a performance degree and joined the Tony and Emmy award winning group called Blast! He performed in over 200 cities across Europe and North America as a featured soloist and trombone player. Michael moved back to Tulsa in March of 2003 and began working as a studio artist for projects in Dallas and Oklahoma City. He joined 'Citizen Mundi' in October of 2005 and has been with the group ever since.
Sergio
A native of Venezuela, Sergio D'Alonzo was born in Caracas, but he grew up in Barinas, a town very rich in folk and authentic Venezuelan music. His main influence was his Mother who has been a piano teacher for more than thirty years and because of her, he became involved with music as a child. In 2001, he began playing in a local band in Tulsa Oklahoma as a percussionist for 'Word of Mouth' where he met Erick Donis. This project was a mix of psychedelic rock and Latin rock. He performed with several different local artists as a guest percussionist until Sergio along with JMB, Eric B and Erick started 'Citizen Mundi'. Sergio continues to study a mix of Afro-Cuban, Peruvian and Flamenco rhythms.
Wil
A native of the Dominican Republic, Wilfredo Nanita began playing keyboards at 10, and by 12, he appeared regularly in national TV shows and belonged to a kids band named 'Wonder Kids'. His father, a renowned retired actor, compositor, author, guitar player and singer, was influential in his career. Wilfredo has performed with renowned Artists such as Claudio Cohen, Xiomara Fortuna, Victor Victor and Patricia Pereira. He also co-founded the band 'IO', which won 1991's Rock Olympics and produced national radio hits like 'Me Enamore De Ti' (which he authored), 'Cubreme' and 'A Mi Lado'. He moved to Tulsa-OK USA in 1997, and has played and recorded with local bands such as 'Vaje Senet' where he met Jean-Michel. Wilfredo also collaborated in producing "A Mid Summer's Night Dream" and "Twelfth Night".
JMB
A native of France, Jean-Michel Balaguer grew up mostly in South American countries where as a child was exposed to different languages and customs. Living in such countries was a stepping-stone to the development of his music. Although he grew up listening to Rock, his South American roots became present later in music. He has refined his style with Tulsa local bands since 1996. He met Wilfredo in 'Vaje Senet' where they created a bond between them and have collaborated in several projects since then. In 2001, Jean-Michel was introduced to Eric and they soon became in tune with the same direction of music. He composed music for William Shakespeare's theatrical re-enactment of "A midsummer night's dream" in 2001. Jean-Michel has also collaborated with Jimmy Newquist of 'Caroline's Spine' on his first national tour back in 2004.
Representing five nations across the globe, Citizen Mundi was formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma during fall of 2004. 'Mundi' (moon-dee), etymologically speaking meant 'world' to the native peoples of ancient Rome, and now it defines us all as citizens of one world - "Citizen Mundi"
Mundi music is sung in four different languages- English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Mundi music has created a new awareness for those who have never been exposed to an international sound before, and for those who have, it has reminded them of why it is such a special and unique feeling. Citizen Mundi is a high energy performance yet the music caters to all ages and demographics. It is a mix of many diverse styles such as Reggae, Latin Rock, Ska, Pop, Flamenco, Caribbean, South American rhythms & beats, Jazz, Funk, African and Middle Eastern.
After the release of Citizen Mundi debut album ‘No Translation’ in March of 2007 they were invited to perform at Wakarusa Music Festival in Kansas during June of 07 where they performed amongst artists such as Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Ozomatli, Tom Morello, Widespread Panic, Les Claypool and Madeski Martin Wood to name just a few.
The turn of a new millennium has opened doors to artists from all over the world. Citizens from all regions across the globe are now in communication with one another to share ideas as well as this universal language we call “Music”. This is an exciting time for all and with these tools we can promote love, tolerance and harmony!
“No matter how you look at it we are all indigenous to our planet. You are Citizen Mundi…”
