jojoSOUL

As a musician, I deeply LOVE what I do, so I feel very excited and positive when I get to share it. My RHYTHM has been made from all the various influences in New York. My goal is to create smiles, and engage people in dance and enjoyment.
As a life-long business manager, I pride myself on clarity, listening, and keeping my word. Diligent and serious about timing, details, honesty, and a positive attitude. I serve people by performing for them, and also get them to play my drum, which creates a candid, real moment of joy. Experiences in nightclubs, state facilities, schools, etc., has equipped me with deep patience, which is necessary to navigate human interactions and collaborations. I maintain that patience and focus, I lift my energy to lift others, and I enjoy being kind and courteous.

jojoSOUL is a seasoned music and art practitioner with over 30 years of experience, specializing in drums and percussion. As a composer and live performer, jojoSOUL creates dynamic performances that blend diverse elements, from collaborations with dancers, DJs, and ensembles to cabaret acts and hybrid sound experiences combining vinyl DJing, live drumming, and electronics.

In addition to his performance work, jojoSOUL is an educator and drum accompanist, teaching youth classes and working with schools, guest residencies, and community events. Since 2017, he has been the coordinator of “Back to the Beat”, an uplifting music program aimed at providing drumming education for incarcerated youth at NYS juvenile residence facilities. He also serves as a DJ for the Office of Youth Mental Health.

A passionate student of global music traditions, jojoSOUL has traveled to Guinea and Mali in West Africa, studying with world-renowned djembe masters, griots, and dance companies.

His extensive performance resume includes sharing the stage with icons like Diplo, Questlove, Charli XCX, DJ Tunez, Rimarkable, Nickodemus, SoniwithanEye, Tasha Blank, Agave L’amour, Thorgy Thor, Scarlet Envy, Susanne Bartsch, Daphne Always, Daybreaker, Lightning Society, Uhuru Afrika, Junxion, Reboot, in prestigious NYC venues such as Gramercy Theatre, Sony Hall, Brooklyn Museum, National Academy Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Joe’s Pub at Public Theatre, Laurie Beechman Theatre, Soho House, Public Hotel, Standard Hotel, The Stranger, House of Yes, Nebula, Club Cumming, BRIC, India House, Lady Mendl’s, Lavo, Bodega Negra, Bathtub Gin, Alice, among many others.

Studied African Music with Gideon Alorwoyie Foye at the University of North Texas.
Studied with djembe master Moussa Traore in Mali, West Africa.
Studied with djembe master M’Bemba Bangoura in Guinea, West Africa.

Drum Performances can be with or without drum microphone, depending on venue size and sound goal.
If the event includes audience interaction, I can use a drum that can be played by guests.

Sound Performances include electronic instruments, and require access to an electrical outlet.

Sound equipment/speakers/PA system are not included, but are available.
Please inquire for details and pricing specific to event needs.