Zapot Mgwana was born in Washington DC, he never knew his father but his mother, who worked for the Ethiopian Embassy, always told him Herman Poole Blount (Sun Ra) was his father. When Mgwana was nine they moved to Nigeria where he spent most of his formative years. He recently returned to the states and formed The Golden Dawn Arkestra.

Armed with unique instrumentation that includes, horns, percussion, synthesizers, vibraphone and bass clarinet, Golden Dawn Arkestra combines deep grooves with cinematic textures. The theatric visuals of The Arkestra are enriched further by appearances from various dancers who, like the musicians, are adorned in shimmering garments reminiscent of intergalactic kingdoms of yore. Inspired to exuberance by ritualistic practices such as processions, chanting, and the power of the music itself, the audience falls into spellbound frenzies.