San Diego Reader

Chad Nellis: undetermined | Pancho Tomaselli: Bass guitar

Genre: Funk, Pop, Reggae & Ska

Upcoming Local Shows

No shows scheduled | Post a show |

Related Links

• Shaka Buku website

• Jam Session: "Feel Good Music Project Tour: 10 Artists Join Forces to Change the World" · Jan. 29, 2012

• As I Hear It · Jan. 23, 2008

• As I Hear It · Jan. 9, 2008

• MySpace page · Jan. 4, 2008

Synoposis

Inception: San Diego, 1999

Influences: Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin

Background:

Shaka Buku (pronounced Shocka Bookoo) takes its name from a Japanese Buddhist term which loosely translates as the goal of their music: “To remove suffering and bring happiness to all people by awakening them to their inherent greatness.”

The band was founded by yoga instructor Chad Nellis, aka Chad Scott, in 1999. In 2002, he met Pancho Tomaselli -- bass player for War -- and recruited him for the band.

Chad is involved with the Feel Good Music Project (FGMP) is a non-profit musical tour and compilation CD, featuring ten positive music artists who hope to change the lives of thousands of at risk youth with positive music and healthy lifestyle choices including yoga, fitness and healthy food.

In 2012, Chad brought together ten performers for a 20-date concert tour called the Feel Good Festival, with a related compilation CD sold to the public and donated to at risk youth programs like the Boys & Girls Club of America and United Roots Oakland. Artists included Chad Scott, Steve Gold, Avasa & Matty Love, Summer Mencher, Todd Herzog, Singing Bear, Inner Prisms, Larisa Stowe & Shakti Tribe, Ash Ruiz of Here II Here and Earth Amplified.

Discography