World Class Drummer gives SA Students a Master Class in Johannesburg

Drummer Leon Mobley with students in Johannesburg

October 19, 2012

This week, the U.S. Consulate General brought Leon Mobley, the internationally renowned drummer and performer, to Johannesburg to conduct master classes with learners and professionals.  Leon Mobley began playing African drums in 1967 and studied for 10 years under the tutelage of  Nigerian master drummer Babatunde Olatunji. Amongst many other South African artists of note, he also performed with Hugh Masekela, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu and Khaya Mahlangu. Leon Mobley is on a State Department sponsored tour to Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  Please enjoy these short videos of his time in Johannesburg.

View the Facebook Photo Album for this event

You can watch the videos on MimaMedia here:

Return to Soweto
Leon Mobley shares his excitement about seeing Soweto, Johannesburg after a 21 year hiatus.

Listening Lesson
Leon Mobley pushes his students in South Africa to dig deeper in their musical quest.

The Musical Ambassador
A series of still images captures the joy that MIMA and Leon Mobley have carried with them to South Africa.

Renowned Reunion
Renowned musicians Leon Mobley (USA) and Khaya Mhalangu (South Africa) use their instruments to have a conversation before 500 people.

Music Motivation
Leon Mobley inspires 500 students with his story about how to succeed in show business.