Tunji Beier

Tunji Beier was born in Papua New Guinea, then grew up in Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Germany and Australia. In his early years, growing up in Nigeria, he was enthralled by the strong Yoruba drumming tradition, which still informs his practice. He had the opportunity to learn from various Yoruba drummers such as Muraina Oyelami , Ademola Onibonokuta  & Rabiu Ayandokun. Tunji also studied Classical Western and South Indian percussion in Bayreuth Germany from the ages 11-14 and at the age of 15 Tunji went to Bangalore India and spent 4 years studying intensely with Guru T.A.S. Mani. Tunji then spent 10 years in Germany where he had the opportunity to tour, create ensembles, was artistic director of the Bayreuth Border Crossings Festival and toured extensively throughout Europe. This gave Tunji the opportunity to play with greats such as: Charlie Mariano, Bill Cobham, Iain Ballamy, R.A.Ramamani, Trilok Gurtu, and Zakir Hussain. Since Returning to Australia in 2002 Tunji has made a career as a percussionist in fusion, jazz, world and contemporary classical musical forms. He has worked with many great Australian musicians on recording, touring and co-designed projects. Tunji has been involved in ensembles of various music traditions such as Carnatic, Yoruba, Jazz, Sacred, Persian, Islamic, Fusion as well as theatre and dance.