Antony Kimangu is a versatile Kenyan percussionist, drummer, and composer. He’s popularly known as Tony Percussive and is renown for his unique technical skills, superb showmanship, and versatile percussion set-up. His technical playing demonstrates the fusion of melody, rhythm, and how to sing with percussion. In addition, his playing reflects African roots.
Early Life and Career
His journey into music started at an early age. Discovered and scouted at the age of 10 together with other band members of the Sarabi Band.
Tony is a talented percussionist known for his dynamic and rhythmic contributions to Sarabi. One of Kenya’s most celebrated African bands. With a deep passion for traditional African sounds. He has mastered the art of blending indigenous rhythms with contemporary beats, giving Sarabi’s music its unique and vibrant edge.
Sarabi, which means “mirage” in Swahili, is a band that has made a significant impact. On the African music scene with its socially conscious lyrics and powerful performances. Tony’s percussion skills are central to the band’s sound, drawing from a rich heritage of African drummer traditions. While infusing modern elements that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.
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His intricate beats and energetic stage presence not only drive the band’s infectious grooves. But also help convey the powerful messages in their music. Which often addresses social and political issues in Kenya and beyond. Tony’s dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with the audience through rhythm. Making him a vital force in SARABI and a respected figure in the Kenyan music industry.
Tony Percussive Versatile set Up
Tony is known for his dynamic and exceptional talent on a variety of percussion instruments. Which includes the djembe, congas, kalapapla, tambourine, cajón, drum set, and boom boom.
His percussion blends jazz, hip-hop, salsa, funk, rumba reggae, and African traditional music with contemporary genres.
Tony Percussive has also played in a number of festivals, both continentally and internationally, including Sauti za Busara Tz, played at the largest African festival in UK (Africa Oye UK), Roskilde Festival DK, Ongala Music Fest Tz, Bayimba Festival Ug, and Oslo Soul Children, among others. He is a member of Kenyan-based Band SARABI and he is a seasonal percussionist and backs a number of musicians, such as Syssi Mananga, Adam Mohammad, Contraband, Jazztified, etc.
