M E M B E R S .O F. A K W A A B A

::: Alex Koresis | Percussionist

<> Alex studied drums under the guidance of Don Santin and performed in funk, rock and big band ensembles throughout Melbourne. Since moving to Perth and meeting Paul Osei, he has developed a healthy addiction for West African rhythms and percussion. He has developed a modified drum kit combining African and Western percussion instruments and is working on fusion projects with local artists in Western Australia that combine traditional and contemporary music styles. <>

::: Colin Depeiza | Percussionist

<> Hi, I'm Colin from Barbados, West Indies - de land of cricket. Music has always been in de blood. My surroundings included luscious beaches, coconut and mango trees, sugar cane and de best Pina Coladas on God's earth! I am married to a beautiful English lady (Alison) who brings out de best in me. I was over de moon when I came down under and found a vibrant African drumming group in Perth. Paul Osei encouraged me to get back on de beat and now he's become my brother and friend, along with de others. My dream for de group is that Akwaaba goes on to bigger and better things in de future and we stay united as one forever. <>

::: Warren Harvey | Percussionist

<> Warren started his musical career at Perth Modern School in 1988, studying classical percussion and drum kit. As a youngster, Warren was drawn to rhythm, beats and interacting in an ensemble environment. He featured in the high school concert band and participated in the orchestra and school choirs. Warren went on to study music at the WA Academy of Performing Arts. After completing an Associate Diploma of Performing Arts (Jazz Major) in 1994, Warren became involved in the Perth music scene. Now an active member of Akwaaba and other local Perth groups, Warren is a formidable dun dun and djembe player and an accomplished percussionist. <>

::: Michael Boase | Percussionist

<> Michael’s musical career began in 1998 after leaving school. He was soon snapped up by local percussion bands and has continued to grow and develop as a musician and performer. His knowledge of both African and Brazilian percussion has landed him on numerous stages around Perth and Australia. Michael has taught both children and adults the joys of percussion, dance and singing. He was a founding member of local group Sambalicious and recently started his own music school called “Beleza Samba School”. In 2007 Michael travelled to Brazil. He continues to have a burning passion for African and Brazilian music and is always thirsty for more! <>

::: Veronique Thomann | Dancer and Choreographer

<> Veronique discovered African Dance in her native Paris where she learned from Senegalese teacher Ana Camara. She then moved to Guadeloupe in the Carribean and continued her training there for the next five years. Whilst in the Carribean, Veronique learned traditional dancing (Gwo'ka) as well as a fusion of caribbean/ african/ contemporary dancing. Since arriving in Australia,Veronique has developed her skills as a choregrapher and performer in African Dance. To expand her source of inspiration and knowledge of various styles of African dancing, Veronique continues to attend workshops in Australia and overseas with master dancers from West Africa. Veronique and her dance troupe, Afrotonic, regularly perform with Akwaaba. <>

::: Christine Bernard | Dancer and teacher

<> Christine is a dance teacher and also performs with the Afrotonic dance troupe. Born in France, Christine has lived all around the world for the last 20 years, has taught modern jazz for 15 years in various schools and presented a modern dance choreography in the 2005 South Pacific Arts Festival (Tahiti). She started training in African dance in 2003 whilst living in the Reunion Island and since her arrival in Australia has developed her skills as an African dance performer. <>

::: Andrea Albini | Dancer

<> Andrea has been performing with Afrotonic for several years and has participated in a one month intensive dance programme in Senegal where she perfected her Sabar style. Growing up in Uruguay, Andrea has been dancing all her life and turned her feet to jazz, ballet, rock 'n' roll and contemporary before discovering Guinean dancing on a video whilst in Sweden. From that point she was hooked on African dancing and says she loves the amazing sense of connectedness and freedom that she feels when moving to African rhythms. <>