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! <>

::: Roan Johnson | Dancer and teacher

<> Roan was introduced to African music and dance from a young age. She dabbled in tap dance, hip hop, flamenco and salsa in her teens, and even traditional 'breton' folk dancing! Roan followed her career dream of becoming a vet in WA and since her arrival has been dancing and performing African dance with many teachers and drummers in Perth. Roan believes that everyone is a dancer, as long as you let your enthusiasm and energy shine through, and she sees African dance as a fun, active experience to be shared by people of all backgrounds and ages. <>

::: Sally Osei | Administration

<> Sally provides administration support to Akwaaba. She has a career background in business administration, public affairs and primary teaching. Sally discovered the joys of African music back in 2002 in Colchester, England, where she joined a local drumming group and has been playing djembe ever since. She has travelled to Ghana with Paul and their two children, Grace and Kojo. <>