He is a musician and educator based in Sunderland in North East England.

He has been based in the North East since 1992. His main artistic practices are music and making pottery.

 

He has been playing and studying West African drumming rhythms since 2001 and visited Senegal, Guinea (twice) and Gambia to study with master teachers and musicians. He continues to play with UK based teachers as well as working as a community musician sharing his knowledge with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities. His work includes teaching in schools and nurseries, colleges and youth organisations, staff training and enrichment, retreats and well-being programmes.

 

In 2020 he acquired his first 3 handpans. These wonderful sound healing instruments combine melody, harmony and rhythm and he composes music and collaborate with musicians and dancers including with Rapasa and his nyatiti.

 

Together with his partner Tracey West he direct Sacred Sounds CIC and offers a range of workshops and activities including gong bathing and sound healing, dance and movement with live music and West African drumming workshops.

They work regionally, nationally and internationally but their focus is always on community, connection, listening and creating spaces for people to thrive.

 

His interest in pottery developed out of evening classes with John Scott of Sourdust pottery in Stocksfield Northumberland. He quickly fell in love with throwing pots on the wheel and over the last 7 years he has developed his skills and now sell his work at regional fairs and in retail shops in Sunderland.

 

His statement: "There is a thriving creative community here in Tyne and Wear which needs to be celebrated and recognised for all the benefits brought to our region. I am very proud to be a director of Nyatiti Nyadala CIC and wish to see the company thrive and grow."

Thu Tinda!!!