Chaka and Friends: Keeping the beat alive

The annual Chakapalooza lit up the stage on August 22 at Silver Tap .928 in Globe, where William Benally and his band “Chaka and Friends” celebrated another trip around the sun with fellow bands he admires and enjoys sharing the stage with, including Grey Wolf, Smokestack Lighting, The Friends Band, Band of Apaches and the Chris Kane Trio.

He pays the bands to come play with him on his birthday, simply for the joy of sharing music.  

Benally’s own band members consist of drummer Archie Miguel, lead guitarist Kenneth Kenton Jr, and bass player Ronnie Juan, who have played together for over two decades with Benally,  evolving from Tejano and cumbia into a mix of country, blues, and classic rock, and drawing inspiration from Johnny Cash, CCR, Stevie Ray Vaughan, ZZ Top, and more.

After 19 years of celebrating his birthday “Chakapalooza-style,”  Benally says this year’s event was his last, as he and his wife turn their sights toward traveling and new adventures. He has always wanted to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Football Hall of Fame in Canton. He and his wife both want to visit Alaska, so the planning begins! 

But fans need not worry — Chaka and Friends will continue playing regular gigs, especially at Silver Tap .928, and remain a favorite across the region.

Music has long been Benally’s passion, even as he works full-time in human resources for the San Carlos Housing Authority. 

“It keeps me busy, it keeps me sane,” he says with a laugh. His bandmates juggle their own day jobs, but come together through their shared love of performing.

Benally’s roots trace back to church choir, where he began singing at 15 under the guidance of his mother, Joyce Fabanoli. Her advice—“don’t let your gift go to waste”—continues to inspire him. 

He says music is equal parts hard work and joy. Hauling gear, booking gigs, and late-night setups might exhaust some, but he calls it his therapy. 

“Everybody has a hobby,” he says. “This is mine.”