Leon Chavis came out of nowhere. A former trumpet player in Southern University’s famous marching band, the Louisiana native and accordian player found a break-out hit with his 2008 song “Holla @ Me” and now has several records under his belt.
Surrounded by the seven-piece Zydeco Flames backing band that includes his father on rubboard and keys, Chavis falls into the category of musicians that work modern genres into traditional Zydeco arrangements. “Holla @ Me” is a perfect example of this melting pot of styles – as the Flames carry out a syncopated and steady Zydeco beat, Chavis alternates between singing and rapping his lines about being in a dance club. Other songs, like “Let Me Kiss U” seat the prickly Zydeco beats alongside smooth R&B electronics and production.
Watch Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames perform “Holla @ Me” live below, accompanied by the Zydeco Ballers dance group.