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Onstage company

Documented collaborators

Cha Wa is a Grammy-nominated Mardi Gras Indian funk band from New Orleans, formed in 2014 by drummer Joe Gelini. Fronted by Honey Banister and J’Wan Boudreaux (Spyboy), the band blends traditional Mardi Gras Indian chant with punchy funk grooves, creating a sound that’s both rooted in culture and made for the dance floor. Over the years, Cha Wa has earned critical acclaim including NPR Tiny Desk performances and festival appearances that showcase their vibrant live energy.

Onstage company

Documented collaborators

From their studio albums to dynamic live shows, Cha Wa continues to push the genre forward with storytelling, high-impact percussion, and collaborations with notable artists. This page provides a concise biography, highlights from their discography, and a look at their upcoming tour dates across North America.

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Biography

Onstage company

Documented collaborators

Cha Wa formed in 2014 in New Orleans, bringing together a powerful blend of Mardi Gras Indian tradition and modern funk. Led by drummer Joe Gelini, the lineup has evolved to feature frontpeople Honey Banister and J’Wan Boudreaux, known as Spyboy, with the band earning a reputation for high-energy stage shows and culturally rich performances. Their music channels the ceremonial chants of Mardi Gras Indians through contemporary funk, blues, and soul textures.

Artist note

A sourced detail

Discography Highlights

Onstage company

Documented collaborators

  • Rise Up (2025, UPT Music / Gallatin Records) — The band’s fourth album, recorded with producer Dave Trumfio and featuring guests Irma Thomas and John Boutté. Lead single: Here We Come (June 2025).
  • My People (2021, Single Lock Records)
  • Spyboy (2018, Upt Music)
  • Funk ’n’ Feathers (2016, Upt Music)

The essentials

Quick Facts About Cha Wa

  • Cha Wa is a Grammy-nominated Mardi Gras Indian funk band from New Orleans, formed in 2014 by drummer Joe Gelini; current frontmen include Honey Banister and J’Wan Boudreaux (Spyboy).
  • Albums (most recent first): Rise Up (2025, UPT Music / Gallatin Records), My People (2021, Single Lock Records), Spyboy (2018, Upt Music), Funk ’n’ Feathers (2016, Upt Music).
  • Rise Up, Cha Wa’s fourth album, released August 29, 2025, features guests like Irma Thomas and John Boutté; vinyl/listing references cite UPT Music / Gallatin Records as the label, with production by Dave Trumfio.
  • Lead single from Rise Up is Here We Come (June 2025), with additional single Music Is My Medicine released July 2025; Wildman (2019) and Visible Means of Support Remix (2020) were earlier singles.
  • Cha Wa maintains an official site (chawaband.com) and Bandcamp presence, with links to Facebook/X/Instagram; they have appeared on NPR Tiny Desk and have performed at major festivals and TV appearances.

The records

Cha Wa Discography

  • Rise Up
    2025 · UPT Music / Gallatin Records
  • My People
    2021 · Single Lock Records
  • Spyboy
    2018 · UPT Music
  • Funk n Feathers
    2016 · UPT Music

The hits

Top Cha Wa Songs

  • Here We Come
    2025 · N/A
  • Music Is My Medicine
    2025 · N/A
  • Wildman
    2019 · N/A
  • Visible Means of Support (Remix)
    2020 · N/A

Biography

Cha Wa formed in 2014 in New Orleans, bringing together a powerful blend of Mardi Gras Indian tradition and modern funk. Led by drummer Joe Gelini, the lineup has evolved to feature frontpeople Honey Banister and J’Wan Boudreaux, known as Spyboy, with the band earning a reputation for high-energy stage shows and culturally rich performances. Their music channels the ceremonial chants of Mardi Gras Indians through contemporary funk, blues, and soul textures.

Discography Highlights

  • Rise Up (2025, UPT Music / Gallatin Records) — The band’s fourth album, recorded with producer Dave Trumfio and featuring guests Irma Thomas and John Boutté. Lead single: Here We Come (June 2025).
  • My People (2021, Single Lock Records)
  • Spyboy (2018, Upt Music)
  • Funk ’n’ Feathers (2016, Upt Music)

Upcoming Tour Info

  • FloydFest — Floyd, VA (July 24, 2025)
  • Bragg Jam Concert Crawl — Macon, GA (July 26, 2025)
  • Artown — Reno, NV (July 30, 2025)
  • Musical Instrument Museum — Phoenix, AZ (July 31, 2025)
  • Kaslo Jazz Festival — Kaslo, BC (August 3, 2025)

For fans seeking more Cha Wa content, the band maintains official channels and a Bandcamp presence for music, merch, and updates. Social links below lead to their verified pages with ongoing news and tour announcements.

Where Cha Wa performs and records, you’ll find a strong sense of New Orleans culture, community, and a live show that invites you to move. If you’re looking to secure your seats for an upcoming date, we’ve got you covered with easy, reliable access to tickets and up-to-date event details.

Social & official sites: cha waband • Bandcamp: Bandcamp • Instagram: https://instagram.com/cha_waband (verify actual handle) • Facebook: https://facebook.com/cha wa (verify actual handle) • X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/cha_waband (verify actual handle)

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