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I am a drummer, lyre player, producer, arranger, and composer with an extensive track record of international collaboration. 25+ performing and recording, and leading my own group Otaak Band since 2009. I work across genres and cultures, weaving my American jazz background with Egyptian, Nubian, and Sudanese music to create dynamic performances and recordings. As an educator, I design cross-cultural programs for schools, libraries, universities, and communities, lead master classes in drumming and dancing, and mentor students in lyre building and musical storytelling. I am passionate about using music to foster understanding and partnerships worldwide.…I am a drummer, lyre player, producer, arranger, and composer with an extensive track record of international collaboration. 25+ performing and recording, and leading my own group Otaak Band since 2009. I work across genres and cultures, weaving my American jazz background with Egyptian, Nubian, and Sudanese music to create dynamic performances and recordings. As an educator, I design cross-cultural programs for schools, libraries, universities, and communities, lead master classes in drumming and dancing, and mentor students in lyre building and musical storytelling. I am passionate about using music to foster understanding and partnerships worldwide.

Miguel Merino

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I am a drummer, lyre player, producer, arranger, and composer with an extensive track record of international collaboration. 25+ performing and recording, and leading my own group Otaak Band since 2009. I work across genres and cultures, weaving my American jazz background with Egyptian, Nubian, and Sudanese music to create dynamic performances and recordings. As an educator, I design cross-cultural programs for schools, libraries, universities, and communities, lead master classes in drumming and dancing, and mentor students in lyre building and musical storytelling. I am passionate about using music to foster understanding and partnerships worldwide.…I am a drummer, lyre player, producer, arranger, and composer with an extensive track record of international collaboration. 25+ performing and recording, and leading my own group Otaak Band since 2009. I work across genres and cultures, weaving my American jazz background with Egyptian, Nubian, and Sudanese music to create dynamic performances and recordings. As an educator, I design cross-cultural programs for schools, libraries, universities, and communities, lead master classes in drumming and dancing, and mentor students in lyre building and musical storytelling. I am passionate about using music to foster understanding and partnerships worldwide.

Available to hire

I am a drummer, lyre player, producer, arranger, and composer with an extensive track record of international collaboration. 25+ performing and recording, and leading my own group Otaak Band since 2009. I work across genres and cultures, weaving my American jazz background with Egyptian, Nubian, and Sudanese music to create dynamic performances and recordings.

As an educator, I design cross-cultural programs for schools, libraries, universities, and communities, lead master classes in drumming and dancing, and mentor students in lyre building and musical storytelling. I am passionate about using music to foster understanding and partnerships worldwide.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Spanish; Castilian

Fluent

Arabic

Advanced

Arabic

Advanced

French

Advanced

Work Experience

Founder, Musical Director, Lyre and Percussion at Otaak Band

January 1, 2009 - Present

Founding and leading Otaak Band, an ensemble blending tambur and the folkloric lyre of East Africa with Egyptian, Nubian, and Sudanese musicians. Responsibilities include direction, composition/arrangement for lyre and supporting instruments, production, and outreach activities such as school visits, public libraries, universities, community centers, and master classes on drumming, dancing, and lyre-building. The ensemble has delivered around 50 performances across Egypt, Sudan, USA, Spain and Germany and produced 3 albums.

Performer and Studio Musician at Self-employed / Freelance

January 1, 2000 - Present

Over 1000 live and studio performances on drum set and percussion across rock, swing, pop, fusion, Caribbean, Egyptian, Sudanese, North African, and Arabian Gulf styles. Proficient with Simsimiyya/tambur (East-African folkloric lyre), 5-25 strings, frame drums, and electronic triggers (SPD-SX, Ableton Push); recordings using Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live.