Roderick McLeod

Roderick McLeod plays the kora, the 21-string West African harp, which he studied in Mali and Senegal from master musicians, alongside traditional drumming. His performances run as two or three 45-minute sets, moving between old melodies and his own contemporary pieces, calm enough for a wedding ceremony or a relaxed garden party. He can also turn a group into a band, running a drum circle with up to 60 djembes, which works well for a team day or a festival crowd. Violin, flute or a singer can join to make a duo or trio. His small PA and lights handle 80 to 100 people and need about 45 minutes to set up. He lives at Yarra Junction in the Yarra Valley, travels nationwide and holds public liability insurance.