Nicky has built a solid reputation in the music industry via many projects including writing and performing with his band Bomba, conducting the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, playing drums on John Butler’s award-winning “Sunrise over Sea” and “April Uprising” to being the Artistic Producer for the Multicultural Arts Victoria ‘Visible’ project.
Over the years Nicky has formed and played with bands purely for the love of the music and the adventures they create. He started playing drums at the tender age of six and, with his future assured, has carved an incredible body of work with no signs of slowing up.
With a passion for culture and people, Nicky has travelled extensively, immersing himself in the music and culture of places such as Ethiopia, Morocco, Jamaica, Europe and his birthplace, Malta.
Consequently, the music produced by this peace-lovin’ troubadour is a melting pot of fun, adventure and exotic sounds of the people and places he loves.
The live performance still holds sacred for Nicky who is eternally committed to creating a sense of community and unity whenever he plays. It is not uncommon for Nicky to go off on some magical tangent in order to really connect with an audience.
Flying by the seat of his pants is something he welcomes. “I’m always aware of the active energy of a crowd. Believing in the moment and kind of steering that spontaneous beast can result in something really special. Absolute positive vibrations.”
Nicky has been a flag bearer for reggae music in Australia for a long while and is active in collaborating with musicians from many cultures – Ethiopian hybrids, dub albums, calypso expeditions, Middle Eastern boogie and big band orchestra styles are just some of the
areas he has explored.
Numerous world tours as drummer for the John Butler Trio has recently made Nicky’s popularity and profile skyrocket. His consistently high-quality performances and ability to engage a crowd has earned him drum endorsements (Gretsch), cymbal sponsorships (UFIP) and he now has his own signature ‘Nicky Bomba stick’ through Vater Drumsticks in the USA.
Through his musical charity, Nicky has earned the Honorary International Ranger status with his work for the THIN GREEN LINE association, as well assisting with many community protests and marches.
Presently exploring the steel pan and music of Polynesia, Nicky is the classic musical explorer and eternal student. He brings a wealth of knowledge and maturity to any project with which he is associated, keeping him in high demand.
Nicky also runs the record label TRANSMITTER with legendary Australian musician Joe Camilleri, maintaining the philosophy of self-sufficiency in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
A small portion of his work –
• Bomba (reggae/funk) – 3 albums
• Banana Oil (jazz)
• Bustamento (calypso/mento)
• The Truth (funk)
• Drums and Lions with Dereb Desalegn (Ethiopia)
• Nerbu Message with George Rrurrambu (Australian Indigenous)
• Limestone Reggae album with Joe Camilleri
• Bomba Vs Laroz with Laroz Haim (Israel/Tel Aviv)
• A collection of Maltese traditional songs with his father Nicol
• Solo album “Planet Juice” (where Nicky plays all instruments)
• Melbourne Ska Orchestra
• Dubbel DUB – surf-jazz-reggae
• Unified Gecko (Middle Eastern boogie)
During these unprecedented times, the DRA team would like to take a moment to wish all of you the best as we collectively navigate the challenging road ahead. Our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, the most important priority is health and safety, which requires everyone to remain home, pausing social gatherings, travel. In an industry based on events and community we are all feeling the effect of venues, studios, and stores shutting their doors.
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