For Mornay Hoffmeester, rhythm isn’t just sound, it’s purpose. The South African-born drummer, percussionist, composer, lecturer, and entrepreneur has spent his life chasing one mission: “to create moments of escape, connection, and pure, unadulterated joy through melody and rhythm.”
Born and raised in Cape Town, Mornay’s passion for music runs deep. He studied at the Campus of Performing Arts, but his education didn’t stop in the classroom. His drumming journey began when he first heard Musa Manzini’s Blu-Z on a track that opened his ears to melody, groove, and the endless possibilities of rhythm.
That spark ignited a career that now spans stages across the world, classrooms filled with aspiring drummers, and collaborations with some of music’s greatest names.
Building a Legacy of Rhythm
In 2011, Hoffmeester founded the Cape Drummers Lab, a pioneering drum school in South Africa, which has since evolved into Drummers College. With over 100 students taught weekly, it’s become a hub of creativity, discipline, and community. His vision is clear: music isn’t just for performance, it’s for empowerment.
When not teaching, Mornay tours with international and local artists, appearing at festivals like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Calabar MTV Base Jazz Festival, Stanbic Jazz Festival, and many more across Africa and beyond.
His endorsements from PDP Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vater Drumsticks, Evans Drumheads, Fender In-Ears, and Alesis Electronics reflect not only his technical mastery but also the respect he’s earned in the drumming world.
He even has his own signature Vater drumstick, an achievement that speaks to his influence and consistency as a performer.
The Man Behind the Sticks
Mornay’s answers to life and music show the humour, humility, and depth of a musician who grooves both on and off stage.
• On music: “It’s the universal language. It’s my therapist, my diary, and the best party host I know.”
• On fame: “Having a slightly better chance of getting a reservation at a fully-booked restaurant.”
• On retirement: “The groove finally retires me. So, never.”
• On stage: “I tend to make intense eye contact with people in the crowd and forget to blink. Sorry, not sorry.”
His motto? “More groove, less prove.”
Despite his achievements, Mornay carries his artistry with levity. He admits his biggest complaints are cable management on stage and lukewarm beer, his heroes include drumming legend Vinnie Colaiuta and “anyone who can parallel park on the first try,” and he’s happiest on a long drive with a great playlist and coffee at the end.
A Global Collaborator
Over the years, Mornay has worked with a staggering list of artists: Marcus Miller, Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, Jimmy Dludlu, Judith Sephuma, Tevin Campbell, All 4 One, PJ Powers, MiCasa, Paxton, Youngsta CPT, and many more.
His drumming has been heard at iconic festivals from Nigeria’s Calabar Jazz Festival to the Safaricom Jazz Fest in Kenya, and even aboard the Love Jazz Cruise Festival.
And yet, his dream gig remains beautifully down to earth: “A sunset slot at Glastonbury, followed by a secret set in a tiny tent at 2 a.m.”
More Than a Musician
Beyond the stage and the studio, Mornay is deeply committed to giving back. He regularly plays benefit concerts for local animal shelters and supports music education for underprivileged children. His greatest journey, he says, is “the ongoing one of learning to be a better musician and a better human.”
For him, happiness isn’t tied to fame or accolades. It’s found in serendipity, family, and the power of connection. As he puts it: “Happiness is a long drive with a good playlist, no traffic, and the promise of a great cup of coffee at the end.”
The Groove That Never Ends
At 35, Mornay Hoffmeester has already left an indelible mark on the South African and international music scene. But he’s not slowing down. Whether teaching, performing, or writing, his dream is simple: “To never stop creating and to always be happy on this experience of life.”
And with his signature sticks in hand, his trusted kit around him, and the groove always at the ready, it’s safe to say that retirement isn’t anywhere on the horizon.
Because for Mornay, the beat goes on.
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