Biography
Cha Wa is a Grammy-nominated Mardi Gras Indian funk band based in New Orleans, Louisiana, renowned for blending the vibrant traditions of Mardi Gras Indian street culture with contemporary funk and brass band sounds. The group was founded in 2014 by drummer and bandleader Joe Gelini, who, after being inspired by New Orleans funk legends like The Meters and the Neville Brothers in high school, moved to New Orleans following his studies at Berklee College of Music. Gelini immersed himself in the local music scene, learning directly from Mardi Gras Indian musicians and drummers, notably taking lessons from Idris Muhammad and participating in neighborhood practices with Monk Boudreaux, Big Chief of the Golden Eagles tribe.
Cha Wa's music is deeply rooted in the call-and-response traditions and rhythms of the Mardi Gras Indians, with a modern twist that incorporates brass band energy and funk grooves. Their debut album, 'Funk n Feathers' (2016), explored contemporary riffs on traditional Mardi Gras Indian songs, while their follow-ups, 'Spyboy' (2018) and 'My People' (2021), both received Grammy nominations for Best Regional Roots Music Album. The band's lineup has featured several notable musicians, including frontmen J'Wan Boudreaux (Spyboy of the Golden Eagles) and Joseph Boudreaux Jr. (Second Chief), both direct descendants of Monk Boudreaux, further cementing the group's authentic ties to New Orleans' musical heritage.
Cha Wa's legacy lies in their ability to honor and revitalize the Mardi Gras Indian tradition for new audiences, infusing it with contemporary relevance and energy. Their performances, marked by colorful costumes and infectious rhythms, have brought the sounds and stories of New Orleans street culture to global stages, ensuring the survival and evolution of one of America's oldest folk music traditions.
Fun Facts
- The name 'Cha Wa' is Mardi Gras Indian slang meaning 'we're comin' for ya' or 'here we come.'
- Cha Wa's performances feature elaborate Mardi Gras Indian costumes, including feathered headdresses and beadwork.
- Their 2018 and 2021 albums, 'Spyboy' and 'My People,' were both nominated for Grammy Awards in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category.
- Founder Joe Gelini was originally from Connecticut and was inspired to move to New Orleans after a single lesson from legendary drummer Idris Muhammad.
Members
- Irving “Honey” Banister - lead vocals
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Idris Muhammad - Gave Joe Gelini a formative lesson in Mardi Gras Indian drumming, inspiring his move to New Orleans. (Personal mentorship, live performance techniques) [Early 2000s]
- Monk Boudreaux - Big Chief of the Golden Eagles; Gelini played under his direction and absorbed Mardi Gras Indian traditions. (Live performances, neighborhood practices) [2010s]
- Norwood 'Geechie' Johnson - Original Wild Magnolias bass drummer; taught Gelini traditional Mardi Gras Indian beats at Sunday practices. (Indian practices, live performances) [2010s]
Key Collaborators
- J'Wan Boudreaux - Lead vocalist and frontman; Spyboy of the Golden Eagles and grandson of Monk Boudreaux. (Funk n Feathers, Spyboy) [2014–2019]
- Joseph Boudreaux Jr. - Lead vocalist and frontman; Second Chief of the Golden Eagles, Monk's son. (My People) [2019–2021]
- Aurelien Barnes - Trumpeter, vocalist, percussionist; core band member before forming The Rumble. (Spyboy, My People) [2014–2021]
- Ben Ellman - Producer of 'Spyboy'; member of Galactic. (Spyboy (2018))
- Monk Boudreaux - Guest vocalist and mentor; featured on recordings and live performances. (Spyboy, live shows) [2010s]
- Irving 'Honey' Bannister Jr. - Frontman and singer; Spyboy of the Golden Sioux Tribe. (Rise Up (2024)) [2023–present]
Artists Influenced
- The Rumble ft. Chief Joseph Boudreaux - Formed by former Cha Wa members, continuing the fusion of Mardi Gras Indian and funk traditions. (Live performances, debut album) [2021–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Months of Sunshine | 2025-05-16 | Album |
| Tigers Blood | 2024-03-22 | Album |
| Tigers Blood | 2024-03-22 | Album |
| Saint Cloud | 2020-03-27 | Album |
| I Walked With You A Ways | 2022-10-14 | Album |
| 13 Months of Sunshine | 2025-05-15 | Album |
| Cover The Mirrors | 2025-05-30 | Album |
| Saint Cloud +3 | 2021-03-29 | Album |
| American Weekend | 2012-01-12 | Album |
| Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams | 2025-02-21 | Album |
| Out in the Storm | 2017-07-14 | Album |
| Cerulean Salt | 2013-03-05 | Album |
| Ivy Tripp | 2015-04-07 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Right Back to It (Tigers Blood)
- Lilacs (Saint Cloud)
- Dollar Store (feat. Waxahatchee)
- Fire (Saint Cloud)
- Mud
- History (feat. Waxahatchee) (13 Months of Sunshine)
- Much Ado About Nothing (Tigers Blood)
- Crowbar (Tigers Blood)
- Can’t Do Much (Saint Cloud)
- Problem With It (I Walked With You A Ways)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
CHA WA has been played 22 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.