Kwudi

Raised in a humble West Oakland home that embraced the arts, community, and ancestry, Kwudi learned that rhythm’s potential is in its connection to people. Empowering dancers as he drummed West Africa into their spirit was foundation for his music. Those early seeds of inspiration influenced while enjoying the music of Youssou Ndour, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin in his parents' homes. Playing with hometown legends, independent greats, and arena acts, he toured the world sharing his rhythm. Eventually, he found himself aiding illustrious musicians in the studio, helping bridge the gap between vision and sound by bringing his ear and the fullness of his rhythm into songs. Kwudi’s own music began blooming at this time, his tastes having flourished to include the production of Kanye and Timbaland, the creativity of Missy Elliot, and the genre-bending breadth and eccentricity of N*E*R*D*. With every skill built through decades he released a new sound into the landscape of music. Then June happened. Summer of 2022, Kwudi got into a devastating motorcycle accident, with no guarantee if he’d be able to create again. For many, this would signal give up time. Instead, Kwudi began transforming his relationship with music, as he slowly made his way back. From the first day of recovery, he applied the relentless intensity that world renowned his drumming, to re-invent the musician he is today. In this era, recovery is bound to leveling up his mastery. Instagram: @callmekwudi