Hammadi
Valdes
Hammadi
Valdes
Chris Parker - Timeout
Havana, Cuba
Percussionist, Musical Director, Composer, Arranger, Producer, Tutor
Latin Grammy Award (Winner)
Laurence Olivier Award (Nomination)
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.
Experience
Experience
Carlos Acosta - Dancer & Choreographer
Percussionist
Ariwo
Robert Mitchell's Panacea - The Cusp
Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires
Chucho Valdes - Canto a Dios
Irakere - 30 años
Chucho Valdes - New Conceptions (Latin Grammy Award)
Composer
Ariwo
Carlos Acosta's Cubania
Carlos Acosta's Tocororo Tour
Music Director
Carlos Acosta's Cubania
Carlos In Cuba
Carlos Acosta's Tocororo Tour
Arranger
Carlos Acosta's Cubania
Carlos In Cuba
Carlos Acosta's Tocororo Tour
The Havana Suite - Ahmed Dickinson & Trio Mestizo
Producer
The Havana Suite - Ahmed Dickinson & Trio Mestizo
Senior Teacher at Newcastle University
Hackney Music Service
Ealing Junior Music School
Upton Court Grammar School
Superior Institute of Art
Tutor
Biography
Biography
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.”