The ability to translate a lifetime of turmoil into a universally recognizable message of harmony through beat and melody is the true definition of a successful artist.  Lamine Fellah, a native of Algeria and citizen of the globe, originally founded Sarazino in 1995 as a way to reach out to politically and ideologically fractured societies after his father was assassinated by religious extremists.

Out of Montreal, Canada, Fellah’s Sarazino released its first album in 1997, Et Puis Voila, with songs sung in French combined with traditional West African and Algerian musical influences.  After relocating to Ecuador, Fellah began producing other artists and reformed Sarazino for 2003’s release Mundo Babilon.

Sarazino’s most recent incarnation melds vocalists Revelino Aguidissou and Fellah with Spanish poet Isidro Garcia’s inspired lyrical anthems.  Ecuardorian guitarist Pablo Estrella and guest artists from reggae crooner Toots Hibbert, of Toots and the Maytals, to Blanquito Man of the ska band King Chango round out Ya Foy!. Released in Fall 2009 on the Cumbancha label, the album’s all-encompassing Latin and reggae influences pound out catchy tunes with social and political awareness.  Sarazino roused the crowd on Stern Grove Festival's opening day, playing many new tunes and a few old favorites!