Robbe Kieckens

Robbe Kieckens is a versatile Belgian percussionist whose musical journey began in Africa, where he spent his childhood. This early exposure to diverse rhythmic cultures shaped his lifelong fascination with world music, leading him to master an impressive array of instruments, including the bendir, darbuka, riq, cajon, and djembe.

Largely self-taught, Kieckens later refined his technique under masters like Zohar Fresco and Fahrettin Yarkin, focusing deeply on Middle Eastern and Ottoman classical rhythms. His playing style is a unique “own language” that respects traditional heritages while integrating influences from Flamenco, Arabic, Persian, and West African music. ​

A sought-after collaborator, he is a founding member of the Lâmekân Ensemble and has performed with groups like Compro Oro and the Nathan Daems Village Quartet. Based in Ghent, Kieckens is also a dedicated educator, teaching Oriental percussion at various schools in Brussels and Ghent,