Los Angeles born percussionist Kahlil Cummings joins Jhair Sala in this episode of We Are Rhythm. Cummings was raised with several musical influences in his family, stirring a lifelong passion for the history and cultural impact of music. He talks about the spiritual qualities of drumming, projects he is working on now, and his introduction to the LP brand.
About Kahlil:
Kahlil Cummings is an acclaimed drummer and has played with numerous reputable groups including Ballet Folclórico Do Brasil, Sona Sané, Abalayé, Debbie Allen Dance Company, Les Amazones, and Viver Brasil. Kahlil honed his rhythmic gifts with noted teachers including Mestre Amen Santo, Jose Ricardo Sousa, Kobla Ladzekpo, and Mabiba Bagne. His compositions can be heard on his debut album Iniké Baba, recorded live in Guinea, West Africa. Kahlil was the musical director for opening numbers for both the NAACP Image Awards and the Choreographers Awards in 2004. Since then, he has performed with several renowned artists such as Janelle Monae (American Idol), Shakira (music video “Waka Waka), and R. Kelly. In addition, Kahlil performed with Pharrell Williams and Kendrick Lamar in the 2015 and 2016 Grammy Awards, respectively. His prolific abilities have even taken him as far as Japan, where he produced and recorded music for Takarazuka, an elite Japanese theater ensemble, and for Pomba, a well-known fitness company. Currently Kahlil plays and tours with international recording artist Rocky Dawuni, and can be heard on the album “Branches of the Same Tree,” which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album of the Year in 2016. He is now the musical director for Viver Brasil, Los Angeles’s premier Afro-Brazilian dance company.
LP Episode Page: HERE
Kahlil Cummings LP Artist Page: HERE
Kahlil Cummings Website: HERE
Every artist in the book of 𝗟𝗣 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 has a diverse personal history that helped make them who they are today. But just like the rest of us, they had to go through obstacles on the way to their goals. Luckily, they found music along the way. And, in doing so, they also discovered the origins and cultural significance of the instruments they’re connected to. Tune in every other Thursday to hear each inspiring chapter and join the 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 discussion. Chapter 21 𝗞𝗔𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗟 𝗖𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 (Percussion Virtuoso|Composer|Educator)
::Connect With Kahlil::
http://www.kahlilcummings.com
http://www.facebook.com/Kahlilc33
http://www.instagram.com/Kahlilc33
