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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 FOR SCREEN

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