Percussionist, composer, vocalist, dancer and actress, Edwina Lee Tyler blends these entire elements into more than just a performance, but into jubilation.
She has pioneered the playing of traditional African percussion instruments by women. A practice long thought to be forbidden in African culture. Her performances feature a combination of drum, djembe, songbey, conga, steel drum, calabashes, bongos, marimba, kalimba, shekeres, bells, conch shells, slit drums, as well as rattles and wood blocks.
Her work has been supported by a variety of foundations including, Meet the composer, the New York State Council on the Arts, the Eastman Fund and the Brooklyn Arts Council Association.
Tyler has recorded solo performances and has appeared as a percussionist on various CD’s. Her recording, Drum Drama was released on audio cassette by’ Percussion Piquant the 1980’s. Her recording, Things Are Gonna Change, weaves together her unique style of African, jazz and classical rhythms.