Wielecki, Mikołaj (Miki)
graduated in Iberian studies from the University of Warsaw, writing his master’s thesis on the Cuban rumba. He studied ethnic percussion at Byhoojskollen in Denmark as well as in Havana (1999–2000, 2002, 2007), Rio de Janeiro (2010), Andalucia (2006, 2008, 2012), and Colombia (2018). He has performed and recorded with artists and bands such as Natalia Natu Przybysz, Pablopavo and Ludziki, Masala Sound System, Antonina Krzysztoń, Rei Ceballo and Calle Sol, Magda Navarrete and Noche de Boleros, Zbigniew Namysłowski’s Big Band, Włodek Pawlik (notably on Strings in the Earth project and release), Marcin Olak Trio, Nikola Kołodziejczyk, Lora Szafran, Aga Zaryan, Vavamufn, Mikromusic, Kora Jackowska, Shantelle Monique, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, and many others. He accompanied all the editions of The Voice of Poland TV show as a member of Krzysztof Pszona’s orchestra.
Miki is the founder and leader of Ritmodelia percussion group, member of the international batucada Bloco X, as well as a session musician appearing on more than 60 albums and film soundtracks. He has taught rhythm and percussion workshops for children and adults in Poland, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Switzerland, and Iceland. Since 2012 he has headed the Brazilian drums school Ritmo Bloco.