About Moziah

Michael "Moziah" Saleem, Drummer and Percussionist, was born in Baltimore County but has travelled extensively.

Moziah, primarily a self-taught drummer, enhanced his drumming gifts through workshops as-well-as by studying under African drummer Babatunde Olatunji, renowned Nigerian percussion master.

Upon leaving Maryland to embark upon his musical life Moziah began his career in New York as a drummer for Cissy Houston, American soul and gospel singer. During a fifteen year period spent in Nashville, Tennessee, he drummed and toured with The Oak Ridge Boys, a country and gospel group; Rufus Thomas, American rhythm, blues, funk and soul singer; DeGarmo and Key, Christian rock group; Victor Wooten, American bass player, composer, author and producer; Richard Groove Holmes, American jazz organist; Patti Austin, American Grammy winning R&B, jazz music singer; and Solomon Burke and Leon Russell, American musicians, singers and songwriters. Moziah has received a Grammy award for his participation with Mervyn Warren's Handel's Messiah Project, "A Soulful Celebration Album."

Since returning to Baltimore, MD, Michael "Moziah" Saleem has become involved with sharing his gift of drumming. He has taught drumming to Baltimore youths and adults in various schools and institutions such as Bethel Christian School; Holy Spirit School; Calvin Rodwell; Tuttie's Place; The Good Sheppard School for Girls; Baltimore Juvenile Detention Center; and Sheppard Pratt Hospital.

Moziah's students have performed at Baltimore's Meyerhoff Symphony; Art Scap; Johns Hopkins University; The African American Heritage Festival; American University; University of Maryland, College Park; as well as for both former Mayors, Sheila Dixon and Martin O'Malley.

Moziah has received numerous recognitions and awards for his work with Baltimore youths from City Hall; The NAACP; Mayors Office; Family League; City Council of Baltimore; Artist Appreciation; and the Academy of Colleges and Career Explorations.

credit: North Ave Knowledge Exchange