Who We Are
AnjChito, an exciting musical quartet that blends diverse genres into a unique sound all their own. Led by Angie Barkhouse on vocals and saxophone, with Chito Salazar on guitar, Ricky Lyan Kyang on bass, and Rafael de los Reyes on drums/percussion, AnjChito delivers an unforgettable musical experience.
The band's original compositions are an eclectic fusion of jazz, rhythm & blues, bossa nova, blues, reggae and funk, creating dynamic grooves, lush harmonies, and infectious rhythms that captivate audiences. Whether you're a fan of soulful melodies or rhythmic energy, AnjChito provides the perfect soundtrack to any occasion.
In addition to their original work, AnjChito puts their own spin on classic hits from iconic artists like Sade, Amy Winehouse, Stevie Wonder, Alanis Morissette, Simply Red, Steely Dan, Meghan Trainor, Hall & Oates, Tedeschi Trucks Band, George Michael, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, BB King, Bobby Caldwell, Pharrell Williams, Daft Punk and more.
Their latest album, Tones of Colour, released last year, further showcases the band's growth and creativity. And if you haven't already heard, their track "Smooth Samba" from their debut album Eclectic was recently featured in the City of Ottawa's "City Sounds Playlist 2024"—an annual playlist spotlighting the best local talent.
Don't miss out on experiencing the vibrant sounds of AnjChito. Follow their journey and discover why they're taking the local music scene by storm.
Angie Barkhouse – Vocals & Saxophone
Angie Barkhouse, the dynamic vocalist and saxophonist of AnjChito, brings over 35 years of experience to the stage. Her musical journey began in high school through the band program, where she quickly discovered a deep passion for the saxophone. She refined her craft through intensive summer programs focused on classical and jazz performance, along with weekly private lessons, eventually earning a degree in Music Performance from Acadia University in her home province of Nova Scotia.
Since the early 2000s, Angie has been an active presence in Ottawa’s music scene, performing with several local bands—including MoSayk, where she first met guitarist Chito Salazar. In 2019, Angie and Chito formed AnjChito as a duo, with Angie taking on lead vocals and, eventually, songwriting—a transformative step in her artistic evolution.
Reflecting on her connection to music, Angie shares:
"Through my saxophone, I can bare my soul and express myself more deeply than I ever could with words; playing music allows me to take even my deepest, darkest feelings and turn them into pure joy.
Chito Salazar – Guitar
Chito Salazar is a self-taught guitarist with over 50 years of experience and more than three decades of performing in Ottawa’s vibrant music scene. A familiar presence on local stages—from clubs and restaurants to festivals and concert halls—he has earned a reputation as a versatile and seasoned musician.
As the bandleader, musical director, and producer of AnjChito, Chito brings a wealth of experience spanning genres such as rock, jazz, blues, and R&B. He has performed with and led numerous original and cover bands and collaborated with local singer-songwriters, contributing to the production of several albums.
Together with Angie Barkhouse, Chito is one of the principal songwriters behind AnjChito, shaping the band’s distinctive sound and creative direction.
"It’s all about the music," Chito says—a reflection of his lifelong passion and commitment to the craft.
Ricky Lyan Kayng - Bass & Sound Engineer
Ricky is a seasoned bass guitarist and the sound engineer for AnjChito, with over a decade of performance experience under his belt despite no formal musical training. He developed his musical knowledge and understanding of music theory through practical, hands-on experience—performing live and learning from the talented musicians he has shared the stage with at major festivals across Canada. Ricky began performing with local bands almost as soon as he picked up a bass, exploring a variety of genres—from reggae and R&B to soul, funk, and blues.
In addition to performing with AnjChito, Ricky plays bass for the reggae outfit Ras Lee & The Vibes Band. He also works as a sound engineer at Ottawa’s iconic live music venue Rainbow Bistro.
Ricky often sums up his passion with the motto: "Music is life, music is in everything, music can set you free."
Rafael de los Reyes – Drums & Percussion
Born in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen, Rafael de los Reyes was immersed in music from an early age, growing up in a musical family. He began his career playing percussion in his father’s band, performing across the New York metropolitan area and recording with local groups.
Rafael studied under renowned drummers William Kessler, Henry Adler, and Sam Ulano before attending the prestigious Drummer’s Collective in the 1970s. His musical path paused briefly during his service in the U.S. Army Special Forces, but he returned to the stage shortly after, performing in prominent New York clubs and Broadway theaters.
Over the years, Rafael has performed with a wide range of legendary artists, including Bo Diddley, The Shirelles, The Drifters, The Platters, Ben E. King, and Joey Dee and the Starlighters. Notably, he was part of Ricky Martin’s iconic 1999 Grammy Awards performance of “La Copa de la Vida.”
Rafael reflects: “The pulse of life is simple and consistent. Music is the same. Without a steady pulse, feel, and respect for the music being played, it’s meaningless.”
Marco Kabeya - Alternate Bass
Last but not least, we call him our “other” bass player who played on the Eclectic album and also joins us occasionally on stage. Marco is originally from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He arrived in Canada in February 2019 and has been part of the AnjChito family since 2021.
Marco completed three years of formal training in Music Performance at the National Art Institute of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He brings 17 years of bass experience, including a four-year stint with Kinshasa’s FourNJazz band and ten years playing in worship bands. He also has extensive experience providing backup vocals.
His musical influences include jazz bass greats Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, and Richard Bona.
Marco’s motto: “Whatever you are doing, do it with your heart!”