Jorge Leiva

Jorge Leiva is an internationally recognised musician who has been composing, writing and performing for over 25 years. He is one of the top percussionists in Australia's Latin Music scene.

“Jorge is a great musician and collaborator. His musical style is vibrant and as part of his practice he is in constant dialogue with international musicians of varied genres. Jorge is interested in collaboration with diverse musicians and cultures, and this impacts the work of his bands La Descarga and Miss Colombia. “

Fiona Winning Director Programming Sydney Opera House

INTERNATIONAL

Jorge has performed with world-renowned artists and bands such as Juanes (Colombia), Li Saumet (Bomba Estereo, Colombia), The Cat Empire (Australia) and Nicky Bomba (Australia). He has shared stage in multiple festivals and concerts with some of the greatest Colombian musicians and bands including Aterciopelados, Sidestepper, La 33, La Chiva Gantiva, Frente Cumbiero, ChocQuibTown, Grupo Niche, El Alguacil and Mister Gomes en Bombay.

AUSTRALIA

In Australia Jorge has toured as percussionist for Ground Components and Abbie Cardwell, and supporting world famous Juanes Australia Tour (2018), The Cat Empire Australia Tour (2014) and Little Red (2008). He has shared stage with Xavier Rudd, Daryl Braithwaite, Joe Camilleri, OKA, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Ross Wilson among others.

SELECTED PERFORMANCES

Some relevant performances include Juanes Australia Tour (2018), Darwin Festival (2015), The Cat Empire Australia Tour (2014), MONA FOMA (2013), Rainbow Serpent Festival (2011, 2013, 2015), Moomba Festival (2011, 2013, 2015, 2018), Viva Victoria Festival/Victoria Multicultural Festival (2012,2014, 2015),  Folk Rhythm and Live (2009, 2010, 2014), Maroondah Festival (2010); Globe to Globe Festival (2009), The Arts Centre ‘Sounds of Colombia’ (2009); St Kilda Festival (2009), Little Red and Ground Components Australia Tour (2008), Melbourne International Arts Festival (2007); Iberoamerican Theatre Festival Bogota, Colombia (2000); Feria de Cali (2000).

MUSIC PROJECTS

As a music composer, songwriter, instrumentalist and band member, Jorge is a leader in the world music genre in Australia. His music projects include:

• La Descarga: Forerunner of Colombian tropical roots music in Australia.

• Madre Monte: Jorge was one of the founders of Madre Monte, one of the most popular Australian/Colombian bands.

• Miss Colombia: Neotropical fusion music project based in Melbourne.

MUSIC RECORDINGS / ALBUMS / EP’S / SINGLES

• La Descarga & The Electropical Orchestra, 2020 (Single)

• EL TARRO 10 Year Compilation, 2020 (LP)

• Cheddar Road All Stars, 2019 (LP)

• Miss Colombia, 2018, Open Your Eyes (LP)

• Mighty Duke & The Lords, 2016 (LP)

• Madre Monte, 2016, El Man Caiman (LP)

• Abbie Cardwell featuring The Chicano Rockers and Twin Tones, 2014, From Mexico with Love (LP)

• Madre Monte, 2012, Raza Madre (EP)

• La Descarga, 2011, AfroColombia (EP)

• Madre Monte, 2010, Reaction (EP)

• Son Corners, 2009, Dance With Me (EP)

• Los Lords, 2008, Noise Complaints (Single)

• Ambiente, 2008, (EP)

• Mister Gomes en Bombay, 2006, (LP)

• El Pez de la Consciencia, 2006 (Single)

MUSIC FOR SCREEN

• The Night of the Beast soundtrack, Bolero Bye, 2022. See trailer here

• Tropical Snow in BONDS Christmas Campaign, 2018. See ad here

• Worldwide social campaign The Colombian Ambush (2018). See social media ad here

• Butterflies, Cancer Stories, Fidelio Films, 2017. Special Prize “City of Annecy Award” in the Festival international du film d'animation d'Annecy, 2018. See preview here

• Tsuki Short Film, Fidelio Films, 2017

• Colombia's New Music, “La nueva ola: artistas quieren descubrir con sus ritmos a qué suena Colombia” Caracol TV, 2016

• Idiot Box Online Comedy Series, 2015. See preview here. *Explicit content

Miss Colombia performing at Light in Winter Festival, FedSquare, 2015