Derrick McKenzie’s pure passion for drumming started in his early years, when from the age of six, he fashioned makeshift drumsticks from his mum’s coat hangers, tapping out beats on the floor to the tunes playing from the radio. Even in those early moments, Derrick was certain that drumming was what he wanted to do, so he started to teach himself how to play the drums, drawing inspiration from the rich musical scene around him at the time.

By the age of ten, Derrick was already in a band, and was picked up and playing professionally by the age of fourteen. In the years that followed, he honed his skills in a range of genres, performing in different bands until joining Candyland, with whom he released an album. Subsequently, he played drums for Freaky Realistic and Urban Species, appearing on TV and touring all over the world, from Europe all the way to Japan.

In 1994 he joined the internationally renowned band Jamiroquai during their second album ‘Return of the Space Cowboy’ bringing the Disco Funk to the Acid Jazz sounds of Jamiroquai. Since joining the band, they have won numerous awards, including a Grammy, Ivor Novello, BMI and Billboard as well as producing nine albums and completing six sold-out world tours. The band is still currently writing and producing music for their upcoming album, sustaining their legacy of worldwide success.

Derrick McKenzie may be best known for being the vibrant drummer of Jamiroquai, but he is also a well established Dj. As the only combined Drummer DJ, Musician, and Producer on the international Dj circuit, he introduces a unique fusion of live drum beats with feel-good tunes to the musical world, elevating the disco funk genre for fans worldwide.

Derrick has performed and collaborated musically with award winning International musicians and Dj’s such as Grammy award winning Purple Disco Machine, Fernando Rosa, Richard Earnshaw, Matt Johnson, Michael Gary and Dr Packer with more in the works including his own passion for creating
music under his label boogie bus.

Derrick’s main style is Disco, Nu Disco, Funk, Soulful House, Jackin House, Tech House, Old Skool, also 80’s and 90’s Soul with a focus on Disco Funk.

He has Dj’d in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, The Netherlands, USA, Armenia, Australia and Mexico to name a few.