Co-Founder Alexandra Jai hails from Santiago, Chile and is a hand drumming and yoga teacher, rhythm and movement facilitator and performer with over 30 years of experience. Initiated in her teens into the healing power of the drum by Yoruba master drummer Olatunji Babatunde from Nigeria, Alexandra plunged heart-first into the study of hand drumming, learning traditional West African, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Middle Eastern drumming from master percussionists across the globe. Called to share the healing she’d received, in 2003 Alexandra co-founded Rhythm Bliss (formerly “Drum Mama Studios”) where she began integrating hand drumming instruction with yoga philosophy, mindful movement and breath practices.

Co-Founder Alexandra Jai hails from Santiago, Chile and is a hand drumming and yoga teacher, rhythm and movement facilitator and performer with over 30 years of experience. Initiated in her teens into the healing power of the drum by Yoruba master drummer Olatunji Babatunde from Nigeria, Alexandra plunged heart-first into the study of hand drumming, learning traditional West African, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Middle Eastern drumming from master percussionists across the globe. Called to share the healing she’d received, in 2003 Alexandra co-founded Rhythm Bliss (formerly “Drum Mama Studios”) where she began integrating hand drumming instruction with yoga philosophy, mindful movement and breath practices.

Music Director Alexandra Jai hails from Santiago, Chile and is a hand drumming and yoga teacher, rhythm and movement facilitator and performer with over 30 years of experience. Initiated in her teens into the healing power of the drum by Yoruba master drummer Olatunji Babatunde from Nigeria, Alexandra plunged heart-first into the study of hand drumming, learning traditional West African, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Middle Eastern drumming from master percussionists across the globe. Called to share the healing she’d received, in 2003 Alexandra co-founded Rhythm Bliss (formerly “Drum Mama Studios”) where she began integrating hand drumming instruction with yoga philosophy, mindful movement and breath practices.

Accompanist Rachelle has been a fan of world music for most of her adult life and was drawn to hand drumming in her later years when she began to experience a deeper connection to rhythm and its therapeutic value. After some years of exploring percussion with a diverse selection of teachers, she became a regular student of Alexandra’s and gradually found her passion in helping others benefit from the powerful nature of rhythm as it continues to be a profound guide in her life ~ She is thrilled to be part of the Rhythm Bliss Team!

Special Guest Toto Berriel is a traditional Afro-Cuban percussionist, vocalist, and educator. For twelve years, he played with the world’s best-known Rumba group, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, where he mastered the Afro-Cuban repertoire. Toto is an exceptional performer and a naturally gifted vocalist with a distinctive sound. Although deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban traditions, he is also comfortable with jazz, soul, and funk. Originally from Matanzas, Cuba, Toto has toured worldwide and made Canada his home since 2001.