“From Chapel Hill to Osaka: Building Pathways for Global Artists”
A Shared Rhythm Across the Pacific ~
The ties between African American culture and Japan stretch back generations, woven through music, art, and mutual curiosity. After World War II, U.S. servicemen introduced jazz and blues to Japanese audiences, sparking a nationwide love affair with the sound. By the 1950s and ’60s, Osaka and Tokyo had become international jazz hubs, where American greats like Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis played to sold-out crowds and inspired local talent.
For many African American musicians, Japan offered something rare: deep respect for their craft and, often, a reprieve from the racial barriers they faced at home. The exchange didn’t stop with jazz—hip-hop, R&B, and soul later shaped Japanese youth culture from the 1980s onward. What began as an audience’s admiration grew into a two-way dialogue of collaborations, tours, and festivals.
It’s within this ongoing tradition that music agent Duane Levi found his place—continuing the legacy of cultural exchange while carving out new pathways for independent artists.
From North Carolina Roots to Kansai Rhythms
In 1993, Duane “DL” Levi founded a small road-case production and company in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. What began as a local service quickly evolved into mobile recording and talent support. Over the years, Levi worked across genres and borders, eventually booking legendary artists such as Hugh Masekela and Buddy Guy.
By the late 1990s, Levi’s travels took him repeatedly to Japan. Between 1997 and 2000, he found himself drawn not to the crowded energy of Tokyo, but to the warmth and balance of Osaka. “Osaka suits my personality,” Levi says. “I consider myself a Kansai native at heart.”
See more of this article at:
https://robprguy.substack.com/p/6bfd609e-c... And if you have a band or are a musician wanting to perform in Japan, check out Shalestone Entertainment Inc. at:
https://shalestone-ent.com/
Posted By: Robert Walker
Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 3:18PM
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