All About Me

I was born and raised in South Africa, where my journey into rhythm began in a small shack in Wilderness. There, I built my first drums by hand and taught myself to dance with fire. Drawn to the pulse of the land and its people, I travelled across Africa, learning from indigenous tribes and exploring how rhythm and music are part of daily life and healing.

While living with a Xhosa tribe in the Transkei, I was given the name “Umlilo”, meaning fire, after performing fire dances and taking part in Sangoma ceremonies. These experiences shaped my understanding of rhythm as a universal language that connects body, mind, and community.

My path later took me to England, where I taught percussion in schools and led rhythm-based team-building workshops. I co-founded the performance group The Zennor Project, toured with circuses, and performed across Europe — experiences that deepened my appreciation for the power of rhythm and movement in fostering connection and creativity.

My curiosity for physical expression led me to train in trick riding with Cossack master Elburs Urtaev, which opened the door to work as a stunt rider for films and international horse shows.

Now based in Locarno, Switzerland, I bring together my lifelong experience in rhythm, movement, and therapy. After studying Music Therapy in Zurich and specializing in Neurological Music Therapy in Canada, I have dedicated my work to Body-Oriented Music Therapy — helping people reconnect with their natural sense of rhythm, cultivate balance, and support self-healing.

For me, rhythm is not just something we play — it’s something we live.