Susu Pampanin is a world-renowned percussionist specializing in Egyptian Classical and Middle Eastern styles.  Susan began drumming at the age of twelve and within a year she was invited to sit in and perform with Arabic bands in the San Fransisco Bay Area. 

 

Susu has cultivated a proficiency and interest in many other genres and styles of world percussion including North African, Afro-Cuban, and Brazilian. Susu is internationally known for her virtuosity in Arabic drumming and is one of the few female Middle Eastern drummers highly respected by the Arabic professional music community.  

 

She has played on over twenty recordings and recently took part in a recording project with the world-famed Henkesh family - artists from Mohamed Ali Street in Egypt.  She plays several other instruments as well, including the Oud and Nai.

 

Susu is a member of Aswat Ensemble, Aswan Women's Ensemble, the Georges Lammam Ensemble, and is a founding member of the Pasha Band and Caravan Band.  She has been a guest artist with the National Arab Orchestra, based in Detriot, and she teaches yearly at “Born To Drum” International Women’s Drum Camp and Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp in Mendicino.