Kai was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. While playing under his mother's feet in the kitchen, he made any and everything a drum - pots, pans and the bowls. His playtime consisted of imitating the men in his community drumming, as well as watching videos of the late great Mamady Keita. His parents observed that Kai possessed a talent for hearing and digesting complicated rhythms at the tender age of four years old. By the age of five, he played his first full set with his uncle's Latin jazz ensemble. His parents were advised to enlist the support of master drummers to teach and further his skills. Kai has been taught and nurtured with love by Shabu Bakmen, Mr. Gary Mumford, Baba Kojo Bey, Aboubacar Soumah, Allen Boyed and Forrest Matthews.

 

Being raised in the Pan African spiritual community Ausar Auset Society, he was given the full name Kai Mehruti meaning, “He speaks and energizes only for good”. Walking in the spirit of his name, he went on to become the youngest lead Djembe soloist for West Side Cultural Arts Program, Rhythmology, SHAE MOVEMENT African Arts and Charlotte African Drum and Dance Collective. Additionally, he is the youngest percussionist for A Sign of the Times of the Carolinas.

 

Currently, Kai enjoys sharing his talents in the community teaching at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, local dance companies, mental health agencies and private lessons. As a student of sound and healing, he is pursuing further studies in sound bathing, working with crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, planetary gongs, and chimes. Also, he is seeking a certification in Acutonics.