Simon's love of drumming, rhythm and song started 10 years ago upon meeting and experiencing the amazing rhythms of Africa through Mohamed Bangoura at the Organic River Festival. His passion for African percussion led him to community music leader Julian Raphael who teaches African rhythms, song and world music in Wellington and throughout New Zealand.

During his 6 years of drumming with Julian, Simon also learned inspiring and uplifting African rhythm and music face to face from several other drumming masters and percussionists including Mohamed Bangoura, Chris Berry, Robert Fugah and King Marong with whom Simon had the privilege to perform with. He has also been influenced by the teachings of Mamady Keita, Babara Bangoura and Fara Tolno.

Simon has been teaching and facilitating drumming groups in and around Wellington since 2011.  He performs regularly with the percussion ensemble Kubatana, leads the drum group for Jenny Bloomfields African Inspired Dance class in Newtown ( http://www.moringadancers.co.nz ​) and is currently studying the magical sound of the Mbira.