We’re all about drumming and we run things from here in Melbourne.

You’re bound to bump into one of us sooner or later – literally if you’re a local, or figuratively if you call or email.
Shout out to the Australia wide community and our satellite teams across Australia and internationally.

Meet some of the fantastic members of our team below!
Simon Fraser

Owner / CEO

What year did you start African Drumming? 1997

Career overview: I have been drumming all my life ..starting on pots and pans aged 2. Now it’s about finding the next big rhythmic application and uniting cultures through music

What is your favourite song to drum to?  Fume Fume – a Voodoo purification rhythm from Ghana. It’s a fast 12/8 groove with awesome solo phrases and an amazing dance choreography

When I’m not working at African drumming, I’m loving time with Family in nature, keeping fit and staying in the groove!

Lee Gal
General Manager

What year did you start at African Drumming? 2014

Career overview:
I moved to Melbourne from Tel Aviv in 2010. I love how dynamic working at African Drumming is: Never a dull moment, there’s always a new direction to explore.

What is your favourite song to dance to?
Berry Sakharof – Kacka Ze

When I’m not working at African drumming, I’m travelling the globe while working remotely, trying new foods, and looking for the best cup of chai.

Marcus Malliaté
Media Coordinator

What year did you start at African Drumming? 2022

Career Overview: I’ve been a professional drummer since I was 17 and I have loved every minute of it. Along the way I’ve picked up a passion for all things media!

What is your favourite song to drum to? I love drumming along with anything from Burna Boy, Angélique Kidjo and Bob Marley.

When I’m not working at African drumming, I’m playing music and chasing the sun.

Alastair Rae
Warehouse Manager

What year did you start at African Drumming? 2018

Career overview: I joined African Drumming to be around more opportunities to drum and now I’m up to my neck in it! As well as providing instruments to our customers, I practice, play, perform, teach and organise drumming. I’m grateful to have made a lot of good friends too.

What is your favourite song to dance to? At the moment, Only You by Steve Monite.

When I’m not working at African drumming, I’m balancing relaxation, music, adventure and fun, whilst avoiding all responsibility.

Cat Chamoun
Events Coordinator

What year did you start at African Drumming? In May 2022

Career overview: With 20 + years in the beauty and fashion industry, in sales management and administration, my career has transitioned into coordinating small and large scale events. The thing I love most about my role at African Drumming is collaborating with people, being part of the magic that forms special events for others, is important to me. My passion is music, singing, songwriting and sound healing.

What is your favourite song to sing? That’s a tough one, so many, but my favourite as of late “Moody’s mood for love” – James Moody.

When I’m not working at African drumming, I’m spending time with loved ones and making memories, travelling and learning as much as I can about myself and others. Always love to expand my knowledge and skillset, so undertaking new study always keeps me growing.

Walter Galdames Opazo
Admin Coordinator

What year did you start at African Drumming? 2022

Career overview:
I’m a science teacher, and physicist, with professional experience in different contexts, such as schools, academia, and industry. I like andean and afro music. I used to play music in Chile with a lakitas band.

What is your favourite song to listen to?
I’m unsure if I have one favorite, but today I’d choose Condorcanqui from Illapu.

When I’m not working at African drumming, I’m visiting beautiful natural places around Melbourne.

Abli Nii Otu Laryea

Drum Maker

What year did you start at African DrummingI’ve been working with the African Drumming team since 2000.

Career Overview: I started drumming in Nungua with some family members when I was 6 years old, before joining a group and practicing 5 days a week. I came to Australia when I was 26 years old and continue to go back and forth between Africa and Australia.

What is your favourite song to drum to? I love the Kpanlogo rhythm from Ghana and also the Bete rhythm from Ivory Coast, which is a fast 12/8 rhythm with cool solos.

When I’m not working at African drumming, I love soccer!  So I’ll play with friends or watch it on TV at every opportunity

Bruno De Moura Floriano

Drum Maker

What year did you start at African Drumming? 2010

Career Overview: I’ve been a drum maker for 12 years and a professional Capoeira Angola artist since I was 14 years old. I moved to Australia from Brazil in my early thirties.

What is your favourite song to drum to? I love drumming along with traditional Angolan Brazilian fusion. I also enjoy Samba Reggae when I’m chilling and dancing!

When I’m not working at African drumming, I’m practicing my berimbau, walking the beach, and spending time with my daughter.

Odai Nmai

Drum Doctor

What year did you start at African Drumming? I’ve been working with the African Drumming team since 2000.

Career Overview: I started drumming in a local group back in 1978 after a lot of drumming in my house and disturbing my family playing Milo tins. I played in dozens of groups in Ghana before moving to Australia in 2000

What is your favourite song to drum to? I love the 6/8 Adowa rhythm that the Gaa’s play. It’s played by just one hand drummer who works in time with the dancers.

When I’m not working at African drumming, I love writing and creating new music. From Reggae to Afrobeat and Highlife, I’m always coming up with new songs

James Doolan

Event Coordinator

What year did you start African Drumming?
Around August 2022

Short career overview / bio / experience / passion:
I am all about events! I love bringing people together and connecting through events, music, art, entertainment, you name it! I’ve worked in a range of fields, at Universities, at festivals, markets etc and also have my own boutique events business that im slowly building.

What is your favourite song to dance to:
mmm im not really a favourite song person by nature, I love anything with a fun, groovey beat. My genre of choice is more around the electronic/house music side of things.

When I’m not working at African drumming,
Working on side projects! concocting new event ideas, working on music or learning a new skill. I also love the outdoors and spending time away from it all in nature.

Francisca Contreras

Admin Coordinator

What year did you start African Drumming?
2023

Short career overview / bio / experience / passion:
I’m a Plant Biotechnologist with experience in public and private companies. Now I’m trying to find a new path here in Australia, where I can combine my passion for nature, sustainability and data science.

What is your favourite song to dance to:
10% by Kaytranada & Kali Uchis

When I’m not working at African drumming,
I’m looking for new gardens to discover in Melbourne, and admiring the beautiful front gardens in St Kilda!

Fiona Jones

Operations Manager

Career overview / bio / experience / passion:
I’ve previously worked in the sport and recreation industry – taking on roles in competition and team operations, community club developments, surf instruction, as well as a couple of summers as camp counselor in between travelling.

What is your favourite music to listen to:
I like a little bit of anything and everything! My playlists range from The Eagles to Baker Boy, with everything in between.

When I’m not working at African drumming,
I’m spending time with family and friends, brunching at a concert or trying something new!

Teamwork is at the heart of African music and the heart of this company.