The Matrix from Bahia, Brazil

Explore the Visionary Worlds of Omar Hakim

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Bio: Widely acclaimed for his versatility, technological prowess and groove, Omar Hakim is one of the most successful drummers and session men of the past 40 years. Omar has collaborated with dozens of prominent artists including George Benson, Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Bobby McFerrin, John Scofield, Urban Knights, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Jewel, J-Lo, D’Angelo, Mariah Carey, and Madonna to name a few, and has left his imprint on hundreds of recordings, including several under his own name.

Born in New York City to a musical family, Omar began playing the drums at five years old. By the age of ten he was performing publicly with his father Hasan Hakim, a trombone veteran of the Duke Ellington and Count Basie bands.

This period formulated Omar’s traditional and improvisational jazz drumming techniques, and built a strong foundation for his unique drumming style. His father’s friendship with John Coltrane enabled young Omar to spend time with Elvin Jones and Art Blakely, and at age 11 he studied with Clyde Lucas, master technician and Count Basie big band drummer.