South Africa

Jon started playing drums at the age of 9 inspired by the drummers of his home church in Caracas, Venezuela, where he got to play for almost a decade. From a young age he not only took drum lessons, but also studied guitar and Latin percussion, which equipped him to play various other instruments such as congas, bongos and timbales.

In 2007 Jon travelled to the UK to study at the Nexus Institute of Creative Arts, where he did a 2 year programme in Popular Music and Worship. While at Nexus, Jon also obtained his RSL Grade 8 Certificate with distinction and began to develop teaching skills.

In the UK Jon was part of a jazz band with whom he recorded two albums and he also took part in various other music projects covering genres from R&B/soul to gospel and rock.
In his second year Jon was part of a student tour and travelled to five different countries, during which he had live playing experience in the Netherlands, Switzerland and France.

In 2010 Jon moved to Cape Town, South Africa to undertake a volunteer programme,
offering his skills as a multi-instrumentalist at a church and also teaching drum lessons.
Jon’s skills and desire to serve the community allowed him to do numerous workshops at
music stores, churches and schools, which helped to quickly spread his influence; he was featured on a number of occasions in SA Drums & Percussion magazine and was invited as a guest clinician to participate at events such as Cape Town Drum Shed, The Drummer Experience, among others.

After his volunteer years, Jon was granted an employee position at M&M Performing Arts Academy, where not only has he been able to mentor hundreds of students of all ages, but he has also created full-time courses for the school and even wrote his own beginner drum book The Lombana Method. Jon has been the head of the drum department for several years and his expertise has contributed towards the school’s success. Jon’s passion for education led him to complete a Level 4 Diploma in Music Teaching through RSL, which helped to solidify him as, not only an accomplished musician, but also a qualified teacher.

Upon obtaining permanent residence in South Africa, Jon began exploring the session industry and has continued to grow in his craft by playing for artists, collaborating with renowned musicians and even reaching endorsement deals with international drum and cymbal brands. Over the years, Jon has also continued his involvement in church as a multi-instrumentalist, music

director, co-writer of songs and recording drummer for their studio and live albums.

Jon’s influence has not only opened doors for him in South Africa but it also helped him to build an online following community that, as of 2023, includes 45,000 subscribers and over
5 million views on YouTube, as well as 11,000 combined followers on Facebook and Instagram.

To contact Jon or find out more about his work, find him on social media @jonlombana

SIYABULELA 'SABU' SATSHA

Sabu is from Soweto in the south of Johannesburg, and gravitated towards the drums, as a kid growing up in church.
His uncle noticed his nephews gift and began then taking him to band rehearsals and early Sunday morning sound checks.
Sabu used these opportunities to learn and study some of the musicians he admired.

As well as playing in the church band, Sabu became resident drummer for a gospel TV music show titled “Its Gospel Time” and then enrolling in an arts school, where in 2005 Sabu gained entry to The National School of Arts after an awesome audition, also winning him the Yamaha young talent competition.

Soon after this Sabu was recommended by the school for small sessions and gigs, by the end of 2007 he had landed a spot in the biggest African gospel brand (Joyous Celebration), in which he has recorded 9 volumes thus far. Since then Sabu has become the biggest gospel drummer in South Africa and also breaking into other genres.

Sabu’s hard work, innate talent, and gifted ability has been recognized by artists, producers and musicians around the world, enabling him to also maintain a consistent schedule as a clinician and a session drummer who has recorded a lot of albums and live projects. He is growing in the industry as one of the most sought after musicians.

Sabu is currently touring and recording with different projects and has become more of an Independant session drummer, and he continues to grow spiritually, professionally and musically. He is also an inspiration to many and already a legend to some.

Check out Sabu's INSTAGRAM

BRADLEY WHEELER

Brad found his passion for playing drums in church and it will always be the place where he feels most comfortable being on a stage. Since then his love for music has grown and it has become a huge part of Brad's life.

Brad started playing drums at the age of 12 and began playing in church (Word and Life Church) a year later. He was taught by one of South Africa’s top drummers named Ghapi and later on developed his own style which was influenced by drummers such as Brendan Tan, Otis Williams and JP Bouvet.

Brad also took on the challenge of learning piano and bass guitar which helped him to become a more well rounded musician where he could lead a band. 

He is currently the full time drummer for Sony Artist Brendan Peyper and have been touring South Africa and Namibia performing in front of different size crowds ranging up to 40000 people.

Brad currently endorses Red Cymbals and Roland Music SA while being the Red Cymbals representative in South Africa.

Instagram: @__bradley.wheeler__ Youtube: Bradley Wheeler
Tik Tok: _bradley.wheeler_