Nathan Riki Thomson

Nathan Riki Thomson is a double bass player, composer and workshop leader. He can also often be heard playing various western and non-western flutes, as well as African kalimbas. Nathan has collaborated and performed with musicians from many parts of the world, with a special interest in Africa, where he lived and worked with traditional musicians for five years.

During his time in Tanzania Nathan established the Amani Ensemble and was a student of master musician Dr. Hukwe Zawose. Nathan was born and raised in Australia where he completed undergraduate studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and later at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. He is a core member of the acclaimed Antonio Forcione Quartet, and has toured extensively with them internationally. Nathan also performs with The Adriano Adewale Group, as well as leading his own international ensemble made up of musicians from Wales, Brazil, Colombia, Finland and Australia.

Nathan is featured on numerous CD and DVD releases and his debut album ‘Under Ubi’s Tree’ is released on the NAIM label. He taught at The Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London for 10 years and works on community and education projects for many organizations. He was involved in researching trans- cultural arts practice for the Guildhall and has designed several innovative projects for the British Council in Africa and The Philippines, with a focus on collaboration between musicians from different cultures.

Nathan is interested in developing true collaborations and the search for new acoustic sounds, informed and inspired by musical cultures around the world. Helsinki is his new home, where he is currently lecturer for the master's in Global Music at the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts, Helsinki.

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