ENTERTAINMENT
ENTERTAINMENT
LINEUP
ALLIANA LILI YANG
Opera Singer Protige Special Guest
Alliana Lili Yang is a 14-year-old actor, dancer, and a classically trained vocalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Alliana trains and performs with the San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and A.C.T. San Francisco. Over the years, she has been involved in community theatre, festivals, and numerous benefit concerts and solo performances across the Bay Area’s premier venues. Her crystalline soprano has been heard at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA last summer and in the Vatican during the Christmas Season. In April, Alliana returned to Carnegie Hall for the fourth time, this time, to debut as a Special Guest Soloist at the legendary Stern Auditorium. And last month she opened the APA Heritage Month Celebration in San Francisco with a National Anthem and performed at City Hall. Alliana is an international multi-award-winning vocalist, with close to 70 prizes and multiple invitations to perform in Rome, Vienna, Paris, and London. She's been featured on KRON 4, the SFCM website, and in the SHOWBIZ and Luxury Trending Magazines. This academic year, Alliana is the youngest college-curriculum student at The Juilliard School and the SFCM Summer Vocal Academy, as well as a member of The National Society of High School Scholars.
FELY TCHACO
Musician singer songwriter from COTE D'IVOIRE
Fely Tchaco is an award-winning Ivorian-American singer-songwriter, performer, and cultural visionary based in San Francisco. Born in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, she began her musical journey at a young age, blending traditional West African rhythms with Afro-Cuban and Afro-Colombian sounds. Her powerful vocals transcend language barriers as she performs in English, French, and her native Gouro.
With four acclaimed albums to her credit—including the Billboard-nominated "Maturite," which earned her the Independent Music Award for Best World Beat Song with "Goba"—Fely's music weaves personal narratives with cultural heritage. Her latest album "YITA (Deep Water)" continues her tradition of boundary-crossing musical innovation.
As founder and artistic director of African Arts Academy, Fely creates immersive performances that seamlessly integrate her music with her fashion designs. Her stage presence is enhanced by her own custom-created garments that blend traditional African textiles with contemporary elements, creating a multisensory artistic experience that celebrates cultural diversity.
Fely has toured thorught Afriacn, Europe and The United States. She performed at venues including Yoshi's, BB King/NY, the Monterey Reggae Festival, and the Berkeley World Music Festival, Reagea on The River, collaborating with renowned artists. At MODEFA SF 2025, Fely brings her unique artistic vision full circle, performing original music while showcasing her fashion designs in a celebration of cross-cultural artistry.
BISI OBATERU
Afro Beat DJ
Bisi Obateru is a dynamic Nigerian immigrant, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for change in global immigration systems. As the founder and CEO of JustiGuide, Bisi leverages technology and compassion to empower immigrants in navigating the complexities of paperwork, borders, and bureaucracy through innovative AI-powered solutions. When he’s not revolutionizing the immigration experience, you can catch him hosting vibrant salsa nights at his Immigration Innovation Hub in downtown San Francisco, where community and creativity thrive.
As a genre-blending musician, Bisi Obateru is a groove wizard known for crafting soulful sounds infused with elements of the future and a profound emotional resonance. His music transcends boundaries, inviting listeners to move, heal, and connect on a deeper level. A musiciAs a dreamer and creative hustler, Bisi is committed to inspiring audiences to dance, reflect, and embrace authentic emotions through his art.
KELDAMUZIK
Singer Songwriter
Kelda Williams (Born Kelda Williams; 04, April 1983), also known by his stage name Keldamuzik aka “Diva” is an American artist, singer, songwriter, producer, TV host, writer, actress, and entrepreneur. Born in Bay Area, known for her hit singles “Queen for A Night” and “Thirsty” which are both on her 4th studio album, Diva TV (2010). Has toured internationally with R&B singer Lloyd, Kid Ink, and Jah Cure. Songs from her 4 albums have featured on MTV’s “Real World” and Oxygen channel’s “Bad Girls Club”. Diva extracts her entrepreneurial skills with Tamz – The World’s Flyest Beret. Additionally, as a passionate communicator, Keldamuzik launched her podcast, “Diva Talk Podcast,” on iHeartRadio. Through this platform, she engages with listeners, sharing her insights, experiences, and conversations with industry professionals.
ZE MANEL FORTES
Musician singer songwriter mulitinstrumentalist from Guiena Biassau
​​​​Zé Manel (José Manuel Fortes) – Singer & Multi-InstrumentalistZé Manel, born José Manuel Fortes on May 22, 1957, in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, is a renowned singer and multi-instrumentalist celebrated for his dynamic contributions to West African music.Ze Manel Fortes stands as a foundational figure in the cultural renaissance that swept Guinea-Bissau during the 1960s and 1970s—a time when music became a powerful force for unity and self-expression in the wake of independence from colonial rule. Born in Bissau, the nation’s capital, Ze Manel’s musical journey began early: at just six years old, he formed a band to entertain at boy scout camps, quickly progressing to perform at weddings, baptisms, and community celebrations. By age seven, he was already captivating audiences as a drummer and acoustic guitarist.Ze Manel is best known as a founding member of Super Mama Djombo, a legendary band named after a revered female spirit. Their music—marked by modern arrangements, electric guitars, brass, and lyrics in Kriol (a vibrant blend of African languages and Portuguese)—became the soundtrack of a nation’s struggle and triumph. Super Mama Djombo gave voice to the hopes and resilience of the people, ultimately rising to national prominence as the country celebrated its hard-won independence.Forged in the revolutionary years of Guinea-Bissau’s history, Ze Manel Fortes continues to inspire as a veteran musician, cultural ambassador, and pioneer of contemporary West African music.We are honored to welcome Zé Manel to the SF MODEFA 2025 stage as part of our celebration of International Ethnic Day and Juneteenth.
TERENCE TANJONG
Open Format DJ & Stage Lighting Effect Specialist
Terence is an open format DJ, and the owner of MixMagic Production LLC Saving the City, One Party at a Time. So, nothing is off limits when he performs. He Has held Multiple residences at many night clubs and bars. He brings together Hip-hop, Reggae, Rock, Freestyle, Salsa, Afrobeats, Pop, R&B, Dancehall, Country, and more to get the crowd amped and hyped. For over Two decades he has DJed for Bars, Clubs, School Dances, Proms, Weddings, Fund Raising, Corporate events, Private Parties, and special events all over the USA , and destination events in Dubai, Africa and South America (Mexico and Dominican Republic).
Other Services: Music in the park, live band setup, Selfie Photo Booth, 360 Photo Booth, Dancing on the cloud, Special Light effects, Uplifting, Sound engineer, Led Wall Display, Slide Shows, and Laser Show.
DJ Terrence is a great addition the SF MODEFA 2025, bringing his lighting effect experience to glam up the fashion runway and the entertainment during this year's show.
FREDDY CLARKE
Flamenco Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter
Freddy Clarke - Described as Segovia on acid; the Kenny G of flamenco guitar; and Smashing Pumpkins meets Gypsy Kings. Freddy Clarke is considered one of the San Francisco Bay Area's most talented local performing artists.Born in Fresno, Freddy Clarke is a professional musician, composer, and songwriter. He believes that every successful event —be it packed or intimate— requires a distinct harmony and music that sets the tone for an unforgettable night. Clarke plays in a world where acoustic meets electronic; where melody is imported from exotic locales; and where bygone sounds are re-imagined as current.
PAUL SONNABEND
Conga Master
A native of San Francisco, born into a family of musicians and artists, Paul was steeped in rhythm and song while still in the womb. His mother was renowned Flamenco singer and dancer, Isa Mura, and his father was a trap drummer, conga player and artist. As a young teen he was drawn to the congas and djembe. He started playing with the mountain drummers of Big Sur and was soon accompanying movement and dance workshops at Esalen institute and private events.
After moving back to S.F. in his late teens, he began to study with master drummers from The Congo, Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria as well as latin percussionists, Raul Rekow, Edgardo Cambon and Michael Spiro. His first band, The Beat Freaks, was with Congolese master drummer, Mbemba Pangou. From there, Paul has played in numerous bands such as African Rain, Aphrodesia, Sativa Blue, Samba Ngo, The Chromatics, and Earl Thomas and the blues ambassadors. He is co-founder of the 7 piece band Soul Discipilz. Paul has been honored to perform with such African luminaries as Baba Tunde Olatunji, Joni Haastrup, and Fely Tchaco. Paul continues to expand his learning and skills and is active as a for hire percussionist with background vocals.
THOMAS SUZECK
Keyboardist
Thomas Mitchell Suczek Is a composer, keyboardist, percussionist, singer, teacher of piano and harmony. He has a degree in music from the University of California, Berkeley. He has performed with an array of artists in a gamut of musical styles from jazz, standards, blues, big band, rock, Latin, African pop, gamelan, classical, and contemporary. He has studied classical piano with Julian White, Barbara Shearer, and Carl Schnabel; jazz piano with Wilbert Baranco, and Richard Hindman; vibraphone with JackTaylor, and West African drumming with CK Ladzekpo. Thomas Suczek has played in groups with names such as Phylum Porfira, Bay 6, Sunsmoke, Now!, Surface Music, Point of Departure, and The Fundamentals. He has recorded, or shared the stage with Armando Peraza, John Patitucci, Rosie Gaines, Martha Reeves, Bob McGrath's Sesame Street Show, David Benoit, Carlos Reyes, Mic Gillette, Greg Rolie, Neal Schon. He has opened shows for B.B. King, Marian McPartland, Dave Brubeck, Robert Fripp, Steve Smith's Vital Information, Parliament/Funkadelic, and Sammy Hagar. He has played throughout North America, including at the Concord Jazz Festival, Fillmore Auditorium, and House of Blues. He accompanies, and plays solo piano throughout the Bay Area, currently often found at Scott’s in Jack London Square, Oakland. He plays keyboards with Fely Tchaco, David Martin’s House Party, Robert Foley Band, Kelly Park Big Band, among others. He teaches piano and keyboards online for University of Maine, Augusta, and in person private lessons in the San Francisco Bay Area.
BRIAN ANDRES
Drumer
Official Artist Endorser for the Canopus Drum Company and a Bosphorus Cymbal Master
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio into a family of professional musicians it is no surprise that Brian found himself drawn to the origin of all music: Rhythm. His father is a woodwinds specialist and his mother a vocalist and pianist. The house was filled with the sounds of his father’s constant practicing and his mother’s piano and voice students. After nearly being put up for adoption due to his constant banging on inanimate objects, his parents decided to embrace their obstreperous sons undeniable talent by purchasing him a drum set and themselves earplugs.
While living in the Midwest, Brian’s diverse range of styles led him to performances with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Little Anthony and the Imperials, as well as Tony Award winner and Broadway star, Faith Prince. Brian has also shared the stage with such artists as Leroy "Sugar" Bonner from The Ohio Players, blues greats Sam Myers and Lonnie Mack and television and movie star, Woody Harrelson.
Brian's growing interest in Latin music and culture brought him to the San Francisco Bay Area in early 1999. He quickly began working with numerous local Salsa, Afro-Cuban, Latin funk, Latin jazz, and Tex-Mex groups. In 2000, Brian was asked to join the band of San Francisco Bay Area Icon, Dr Loco (Dr Jose Cuellar). Brian continues to perform with him in both The Rockin' Jalapeno Band and Los Tiburones Del Norte. Through working with Dr. Loco, Brian was asked to record the original music soundtrack for the critically acclaimed Robert M. Young film, Alambrista: Directors Cut, along with Grammy nominated producer and musician, Greg Landau. Brian also performed with "The Father of Chicano Music" and National Medal of Arts recipient, Lalo Guerrero, prior to his passing.
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While continuing to reside in the Bay Area, Brian has performed with notable San Francisco musicians such as multi instrumentalist John Calloway (John Santos, Wayne Wallace, Omar Sosa) guitarist Ray Obiedo, Grammy Award Winning Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Independent Music Award winning artist and Ivory Coast native Fely Tchaco, reggae singer Black Nature (Sierra Leone Refugee Allstars) percussionist band leader Danilo Paiz (Ruben Blades) He has also performed with East Coast Bachata artists Bautista and Frankely on their West Coast performances.
Fore more info, visit www.brianandres.com
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MARK LEVINE
Bass Master
Marc went on the road with his first band at age 17. Called "Stonybrook People", they were signed to Columbia Records and released 2 singles before disbanding. Finding himself in LA with no more band, he started working as a freelance musician and soon found gigs doing session and touring work. His first gold record as a session bassist was with Johnny Rivers, playing on the song "Slow Dancin', Swayin' To The Music". Some other artists he worked for either live or in the studio included Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, Olivia Newton-John, Melissa Manchester, Michael Damien, David Hasselhoff, Burt Bacharach, and Kid Creole in the pop music field: Dianne Schuur, Rosemary Clooney, and Gerry Mulligan in the jazz arena: The Undisputed Truth, Freddie Stewart ( Sly Stone's guitarist brother ) in the funk zone: and K.T. Oslin in the country music area. He also played on sessions for Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain ( 2 members of the rock group Journey), and guitarist Jimmy Crespo, who was with Aerosmith at the time. Marc appeared on TV for 3 years in the daytime drama "The Young and the Restless", and did a short stint on "General Hospital". He also did movie work, appearing in Neil Simon's "Chapter II" , and in "American Pop", which was an animated film which featured Marc as a cartoon character with his own voice. He also appeared in the production of "Barry Manilow, Live on Broadway", which became a double CD and Showtime special; with Barry, he did numerous "Tonight Show" appearances, "Arsenio Hall Show" appearances, and specials on CBS TV. While touring with Barry Manilow for 9 years, he started his own jazz group called "Uncle Festive", with whom he released 5 CDs and played jazz clubs and festivals in the US, Europe, and Japan. He also played with the smooth-jazz groups "Kilauea" and "Pocket Change". Now living in the SF area, he continues to enjoy playing bass both live and in the studio.
ERIC BLI BI
Gouro Master Percussionist
Eric Bli Bi is an artist specialized in the traditional Gouro music rhythm and drumming. His talented started at a very young age, in the village, playing for the most powerful and best dance group and traditional music groups in the region of Sinfra Cote d'ivoire. His skill gained attantion where he was recruter as one of the main percussionist of the National ballet in the country, later sent him overseas to Paris, than touring in the Americas, besfore settling in the San Francisco Bay Area. Eric is a master drummer specialized in the Gouro traditioanl music.
