The KTO Project

Deeply personal, sometimes political, always spiritual music inspired by KTO's Armenian roots, African education and SF Bay Area musical upbringing.

The KTO Project is a dynamic, danceable world music ensemble, which has been lighting up Bay Area music venues such as Ashkenaz, La Pena Cultural Center, The Oakland Box, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, and Freight & Salvage, just to name a few. The band’s infectious beats come from a seasoned lineup of musicians from the SF Bay Area. Without exception, each of these musicians has brings a wealth of experien

11/10/2023

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!
Mafaro eZimbabwe is out on all platforms!

Mafaro eZimbabwe, by The KTO Project 10 track album

10/18/2023

I've received 100 reactions to my posts in the past 30 days. I feel your love dear friends and fans! Thanks for your support. 🙏🤗🎉

10/06/2023

Ahh Prospect Sierra School just celebrated me in the kindest way! Can’t wait to celebrate with you tomorrow!!

Congratulations to our very own elementary music teacher, Kelly Takunda Orphan, who has been honored with a special award for her music, The KTO Project, in Unsigned Only's international music competition! Out of 6,000 submissions in over 100 countries, Kelly's song "Komborerai Mafaro" won second place in the world music category.

Kelly started The KTO Project in 2004 and has recorded and performed in the Bay Area and beyond. She studied ethnomusicology at the University of Zimbabwe, and from 1998-2001, toured nationally and internationally with groups like Keith Terry and Crosspulse, Mutama, and Baba Ken Okulolo and his epic Afro-beat band, Kotoja. Her latest release is called Mafaro eZimbabwe, a true embodiment of the joy of Zimbabwe. In this unique fusion of cultural sounds inspired by collaborations with Zimbabwe's finest artists, Kelly pays homage to her second home's traditional music and culture.

Come out for an acoustic set celebrating Kelly's record release tomorrow, Saturday, October 7 from 8 - 10:00 p.m. at Buck Wild Brewing in Oakland! Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/KTOProject.

10/06/2023

My sisters made this for me!! 🫣🥰🇿🇼🎶🪇🎶🇿🇼🎶 what a way to celebrate!! Here we go! Mafaro eZimbabwe!!