Jorge Leiva is an internationally recognised musician, composer, and performer who has been writing, arranging, and performing music for over 25 years. A standout figure in Australia’s world music scene, he is one of the country’s leading Latin percussionists.
“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 of Programming, Sydney Opera House
🌍 International Highlights
Jorge has performed with world-renowned artists and bands including:
Juanes (Colombia)
Li Saumet (Bomba Estéreo, Colombia)
The Cat Empire (Australia)
Nicky Bomba (Australia)
He has shared stages at major festivals with leading Colombian acts such as Aterciopelados, Sidestepper, La 33, La Chiva Gantiva, Frente Cumbiero, ChocQuibTown, Tribu Baharú, La Sonora Dinamita, Grupo Niche, El Alguacil, and Mister Gomes en Bombay.
🇦🇺 In Australia
Jorge has toured as a percussionist with:
Ground Components
Abbie Cardwell
Supported:
Juanes Australia Tour (2018)
The Cat Empire Australia Tour (2014)
Little Red Australia Tour (2008)
He has also performed with Australian icons such as Xavier Rudd, Daryl Braithwaite, Joe Camilleri, OKA, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, and Ross Wilson.
🎤 Selected Performances
Some relevant performances include:
Moomba Festival (2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2025)
St Kilda Festival (2009, 2019, 2023)
Darwin Festival (2015, 2025)
Taste of Summer (2025)
Juanes Australia Tour (2018)
The Cat Empire Australia Tour (2014)
MONA FOMA (2013)
Rainbow Serpent Festival (2011, 2013, 2015)
Viva Victoria Festival / Victoria Multicultural Festival (2012, 2014, 2015)
Folk Rhythm and Life Festival (2009, 2010, 2014)
Melbourne International Arts Festival (2007)
Globe to Globe Festival (2009)
Maroondah Festival (2010)
Sounds of Colombia – Arts Centre Melbourne (2009)
Little Red & Ground Components Australia Tour (2008)
Ibero-American Theatre Festival, Bogotá (2000)
Feria de Cali, Colombia (2000)
Jorge has also performed at iconic venues Australia, including:
MONA (Hobart), Festival Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Northcote Social Club, Brunswick Ballroom (Melbourne), The Tivoli (Brisbane), Miami Marketta (Gold Coast), The Hordern Pavillion (Sydney), Belco Arts Centre (Canberra), The Servo (Port Kembla), Fremantle Arts Centre, Metro City (Perth), and Thebarton Theatre (Adelaide).
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
Abbie Cardwell featuring The Chicano Rockers and Twin Tones, 2014, From Mexico with Love (LP)
Ambiente, 2008, (EP)
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