Overview
Hammadi
Valdes
Overview
Hammadi
Valdes
“Valdes's sporadic explosions into chattering cross-rhythms give the music its unpredictable edge of excitement.”
Chris Parker - Timeout
B.1979
Havana, Cuba
skills
Percussionist, Musical Director, Composer, Arranger, Producer, Tutor
Awards
Latin Grammy Award (Winner)
Laurence Olivier Award (Nomination)
Languages
Spanish, English
A dynamic percussionist, musical director and teacher, Hammadi has worked closely with legendary dancer, Carlos Acosta, for over a decade, and been involved in the production of seminal albums like “Irakere 30 años", and Chucho Valdés’ “New Conceptions”, which was awarded a Latin Grammy.
He was musical director for Acosta's “Tocororo, a Cuban Tale” which broke all box office records at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 2003, was nominated for an Olivier award and transferred to some of the most important venues and festivals around the world.
As a performer he has played at The London Coliseum, the Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, Roundhouse, London Jazz Festival and many others, and is currently part of Ariwo, a Cuban/Iranian quartet focussing on the unexplored intersection between electronic & Afro-Cuban music.
Currently based in London, Hammadi is available as a tutor, percussionist or musical director. Visit the contact page to get in touch directly.
Skills
Experience
Skills
Experience
“Hammadi's astonishing technical ability and artistic integrity have brought to life the most creative and experimental projects we've worked on in the last decade.”
Carlos Acosta - Dancer & Choreographer
Percussionist
Ariwo
Live Act. 2015-Present
Robert Mitchell's Panacea - The Cusp
Selected Tracks (Aura, Flawless). 2010
Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires
Single Track (Kiss of Life). 2009
Chucho Valdes - Canto a Dios
Single Track (Tributo A Africa). 2008
Irakere - 30 años
Single TRACK (JUANA 1600). 2004
Chucho Valdes - New Conceptions (Latin Grammy Award)
SELECTED TRACKS (Los Guiros, Homenaje A Ellington). 2004
Composer
Ariwo
ariwo music. 2017-present
Carlos Acosta's Cubania
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, LONDON. 2014-2015
Carlos Acosta's Tocororo Tour
World TOUR. 2003 -2007
Music Director
Carlos Acosta's Cubania
Royal Opera House, London. 2014-2015
Carlos In Cuba
London Coliseum, London. 2008
Carlos Acosta's Tocororo Tour
World Tour. 2003 -2007
Arranger
Carlos Acosta's Cubania
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, LONDON. 2014-2015
Carlos In Cuba
LONDON COLISEUM, LONDON. 2008
Carlos Acosta's Tocororo Tour
World TOUR. 2003-2007
The Havana Suite - Ahmed Dickinson & Trio Mestizo
FULL Album. 2011
Producer
The Havana Suite - Ahmed Dickinson & Trio Mestizo
FULL ALBUM. 2011
Senior Teacher at Newcastle University
Newcastle, 2017 - Present
Hackney Music Service
London, 2015 - Present
Ealing Junior Music School
London, 2008 - Present
Upton Court Grammar School
LONDON, 2008 - 2015
Superior Institute of Art
HAVANA, 2004 - 2007
Tutor
Biography
Biography
Biography
Biography
“After every single rehearsal and performance, I’m completely drained. It’s got to do with the energies and the talking between us. It’s very powerful, very spiritual as well.”
On playing with Ariwo - Pitchfork
Born in the musical heartland of Havana, Cuba, Hammadi studied classical music and piano for 15 years. He graduated from the world renowned Superior Institute of Art with first-class degree in percussion.
Over the years Hammadi has had the privilege to work and collaborate with many outstanding artists, including Chucho Valdes, Omara Portuondo, Robert Mitchell, Carlos Acosta, Irakere, Gustavo Dudamel, Mike Figgis, London Philharmonic and Symphonic Orchestras, to name a few.
He has been presented with the UNEAC (Cuban Union of Writers and Artists) prize at the “VII Festival Internacional Percuba.”