Thomas Duffy of Rhythmriot Music is a freelance percussionist and community arts facilitator with almost 10 years experience. He specialises in the street rhythms of Brazil’s Carnival and Afro-Brazilian ceremonial music. 

He has studied with numerous Brazilian percussion masters including Maestres Dudu Tucci & Esteves de Silva and has played with a variety of samba bands and percussion ensembles including ‘MaSamba’ (Dublin); ‘Drumclub’(Sligo) ; he is a former musical director for ‘Samboeire Samba School’(Leitrim).

Currently Thomas runs ‘The Kilkenny Samba Band’, plays with ‘Mad Hatters’street percussion group (Drogheda), ‘RHYTHMRIOTBRASIL(Irl.)’ and ‘Esquilo Atomico’(UK)  professional percussion ensembles.

He has led project groups in numerous performances and parades nationally, including The St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Dublin & Sligo) and Samhain Festival (Dublin, Leitrim & Sligo).

Thomas teaches Brazilian percussion and Samba Drumming to all levels, from beginners to master classes with existing samba bands.