MUSIC

Kwame D is a singer-songwriter, performer and guitatr teacher based in Leeds, UK.

The music includes a rich variety of Reggae-infused Rhythmic Soul.

After many years of touring with a band and a duo, Kwame D recently launched a solo career after the passing of his best friend and music collaborator Jeff Willacy.

“I write, record and perform songs in a rich variety of Reggae-infused Soul and R&B with influences form Rock and Jazz. The energy and lyrics of the music are influenced by the optimism, equality, hope and freedom I experience from Buddhism, creating music to feel good and lift one’s spirit. My self-developed rhythmic guitar style takes its roots from Rock music as well as latin and reggae. Sonicaly, think...Bob Marley meets Carlos Santana!”

TEACHING

I can connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. Growing up in Ghana as the son of a Ghanaian father and French mother, there was always a multicultural mix of peoiple around me as well as of music and creativity at home.

One of my recent students is young mum, learning to manage her time as a mum to fit a few minutes of guitar practice on her own each week. After a few months of lessons, she was able to learn to play a song from her culture. I had to learn it first to teach her! She has been able to get her 5 year-old daughter a ukulele and the little girl has since been joining us for a few minutes each time. It brings joy and laughter to the session and has a positive impact on the family’s well-being. 

Another student came from a culture where women wer not permitted to learn and play a musical instrument. Through the lessons, she began to enjoy the beautiful sound she was creating with the guitar. This, she later explained, helped her she break through her fears and the prejudice that had been imposed on her all her life. She found her freedom and confidence.

Those are simply two examples. Of course, everyone is different, and whatwever you or your child’s background, you will have a positive and jopyful experience learning to play.