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Overview


Hammadi
Valdes

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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.

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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

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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.”