Neo-soul singer artist Kolesta “Choklate” Moore collaborated with professional dancer Danny Soto of FELA! back in November. FELA! is based on the life of Fela Kuti, who created Afrobeat—a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies—and mixed these sensual eclectic rhythms with simple but powerful lyrics that openly assailed Nigeria’s corrupt and oppressive dictatorships.
As Choklate embarks in the process of taking her career to the next level she wants to make sure that she continues to reach out the population that needs to hear from her the most, our young children.
Danny Soto is a professional dancer who has trained with Jamel Ganies Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn and SUNY Purchase Dance Conservatory. He also has studied with Shirley Black-Brown Crowd, George Fasion, Bill T. Jones and many more.
LatinTRENDS had the opportunity to speak to Choklate and Danny Soto about their collaboration.
Kolesta “Choklate” Moore
LatinTRENDS: What was it like collaborating with Danny Soto? How did that come about?
Choklate: Working with Danny was a really awesome creative and learning experience. We met in Seattle when the FELA play came to town and just found ourselves sharing a lot of similar arts and educational commonalities. It was easy to begin conversation about how we could use our art to find ways to have a positive impact on our youth and community.
LT: What advice do you have for young people who want to enter the entertainment business?
Choklate: Pray a lot and be as authentic as possible as well as surround yourself w/ really positive people who will keep you honest and 10 toes down and also lift you up when times get challenging.
LT: How did you get your start in music?
Choklate: I have absolutely no idea. I feel like I’ve been kidnapped and am on a fantastic journey.
LT: What are your future plans?
Choklate: To emote and share as much of my art as possible.
LT: Where do you find inspiration for your music?
Choklate: Everyday life inspires my music. Its so easy to look outside of ourselves when really everything we need is inside and within our immediate surroundings.
LT: Where can fans get in touch with you? Social media outlets?
Choklate: I’m a social site junky so I’m @Choklate on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Vine etc etc etc.
Twitter: @Choklate
Facebook: Choklate Music
Management: ChoklateMusic@Gmail.com
Danny Soto
LatinTRENDS: What is your nationality? Were you born and raised in New York?
DS: I am Hispanic both my parents are from the Dominican Republic. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.
LT: How did you get your start dancing and on Broadway?
DS: I first began dancing at the age of 11 with Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn. Later after attending SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance I began a workshop for FELA! on Broadway. Working with a great synergistic connection with Bill T. Jones, Maija Garcia, and Jill Vallery I accepted my role as dance captain as we went on Broadway.
LT: What is your experience like working on FELA?
DS: My experience on Broadway was amazing, nothing like I never imagined. The growth in my artistry really came out after becoming a Broadway equity member.
LT: What was it like collaborating with Choklate?
DS: Working with Choklate was amazing. Coming from different art forums we where able to create a voice by exposing art for a purpose. She totally gets it and the world needs to hear from a artist like Choklate.
LT: Do you have any advice for young dancers who want to pursue dancing professionally?
DS: The best advice I give a young dancer is to tell you’re story. Live you’re life right so the pastor won’t lie at you’re funeral.
LT: Where can fans get in touch with you? Social media?
DS: You can find me on:
Facebook: Daniel Soto
Instagram : @dannyeyes
Twitter: @troublemansotos
