Directors

I’m an experienced percussionist, trained instrumentalist, tutor and music producer from Manchester. I play the flute, piano, guitar, drum-kit as well as being a producer for other musical artists, and I am passionate about music in all its forms. I regularly teach many different styles of drumming in schools, and am very lucky to be part of the brilliant network of creatives based in Manchester, for example 'Global Grooves' and 'Future Leaders'.

 

I discovered the world of drumming in 2007, at the age of 7, and was lucky to be mentored by a huge network of inspiring carnival musicians and artists. I soon found myself 'diving in at the deep end' at a young age, with lots of different hands-on opportunities to learn the craft of workshop leadership, and teaching many of the diverse styles and backgrounds of music/percussion from across the world. This beautifully connected me to my heritage and forever brings amazing opportunities into my musical life; notably travelling to Gambia to learn from Gambian percussionists, take part in a carnival event and teach in a school.

 

I am now so proud to be a part of SambAfriq, a group that I watched, enjoyed and admired as a child entering the fantastic world of percussion for the first time. Having the opportunity to join such a group has been an absolute pleasure; the vibes are just great! I can’t wait to see the connection develop and to play some top rhythms!

SambAfriq is keen to support and encourage future leaders. We are delighted to have talented percussionist Kody Roberts as our Co Music Director. Kody started drumming with the band at the age of 7, introduced to the world of Samba by his grandma who plays in the band. He started out with hand drumming on Timba before picking up beaters to play Surdo and then sticks for Snare rhythms.

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It was the Global Grooves Future Leaders programme in 2021/22 that nurtured his developing talent: "The future leaders programme helped me understand more rhythms than just Samba like Bangra, Maracatu and Cuban drumming. It helped build my confidence and helped me understand that leading a band isn't just about the music, it is about understanding everyone's ability and catering to that, to make sure everyone gets the most out of the experience. Since going on Future Leaders, I have had opportunities to go and do work experience with Global Grooves and perform at gigs with them."

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Kody has led SambAfriq confidently at a number of gigs over the past few years. He is also developing his own rhythms and arrangements.

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Mentored by our Musical Director, Emma Marsh, he continues to grow in talent as an amazing musician and leader and has a brilliant future ahead.

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