KOJO MELCHÉ RONEY

MUSIC COLLABORATOR (DRUMS)

Kojo Melché Roney (he/him) Born June 28th, 2004, Kojo loved the drums as a baby. After birth, his mother nia love used to sit him next to the drum ensemble while she taught dance classes. Kojo loved to listen to Miles Davis, Tony Williams, Art Blakey and Philly Joe Jones while riding in the back seat of his parents car. His father took notice of his interest and brought him a junior drumset at 1 year old. At this young age he understood how to play the drumset in a jazz setting. By 4 years old, he was able to play with jazz ensembles, and practicing daily helped him match his understanding of rhythm by applying it to the drumset. At 8 years old he did his first tour in Europe, and his travels include France, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Serbia, Germany, Austria, Poland and Israel. Kojo has performed with his uncle Wallace Roney, Ron Carter, Buster Williams, Chick Corea, Hamiet Bluiett, Gary Bartz, Horald Mayburn, Rene Mclean, Darrell Green, Billy Spaceman Paterson, Rashaan Carter, Brandee Younger, Saadi Zain, Emanuel Ruffler, his dad Antoine Roney and his mother’s choreography. A highlight of his young time is when he had the chance to meet and/or sit in with Milford Graves, Jazz legend drummer Roy Haynes, Louis Hayes, Al Forster, Grady Tate, Lenny White, Cindy Blackman and having the chance to friend The Great Jimmy Cobb. Recently he has earned the opportunity to be the drummer on his fathers latest record. His family is proud of his hard work and level he achieved at such a young age. Now he is taking his musical and artistic understanding to the cinematic screen, showcasing the elegance, intelligence and excitement he produces while performing behind the drum kit.