Ofri Nehemya, an Israeli-born drummer and composer, is known for his work in jazz and contemporary music, gaining recognition for his dynamic drumming style and his collaborations with prominent musicians from the world’s jazz scene and beyond.
Some of the artists Ofri has performed, toured, and recorded with include Avishai Cohen, Omer Avital, Shai Maestro, Ben Wendel, Gilad Hekselman, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Matisyahu.
Born in 1994 and raised in a musical family, Ofri began playing the drums at a young age, developing a deep connection to rhythm and sound. He studied drums closely with his father while also taking classical and jazz piano lessons, building a strong foundation in harmony and composition.
During his studies at Thelma-Yellin High School for the Arts, where he focused on arrangement, ear training, and advanced music theory, Ofri became an active performer in the local jazz scene, collaborating with his teachers and other notable musicians in the Israeli jazz scene.
At the age of 17, Ofri joined the band of Israeli saxophonist Eli Degibri, followed shortly by his work with renowned bassist Avishai Cohen at age 19. Through these collaborations, he performed at some of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals at a young age.
In 2016, at the age of 22, Ofri moved to New York, joining the band of bassist and composer Omer Avital. He recorded and toured extensively with Avital, exploring and celebrating the connection between jazz and Middle Eastern music.
Two years later, Ofri began his long-standing collaboration with pianist and composer Shai Maestro, recording two albums for the legendary ECM Records label and exploring new territories of musical expression and freedom.
In 2018, Ofri co-founded the GTO Trio alongside pianist Gadi Lehavi and bassist Tal Mashiach, a group rooted in a deep, long-standing friendship that fuels their strong musical connection. Alongside his work as a sideman, Ofri has continued to develop his voice as a bandleader, having formed his own quartet in 2014 to present his original compositions. His long-awaited debut album with his quartet, Time Traveler, was released in 2025.
Based in New York, Ofri continues to perform, record, and collaborate with a wide range of musicians across the jazz and contemporary music scenes.
Endorsing artist of Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks and Remo Drumheads
Contact info: nehemyaofri@gmail.com
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