Derrick Mckenzie

Derrick McKenzie is a highly accomplished drummer best known for his long-standing role with the funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai, which he joined in 1994 during their second album, *Return of the Space Cowboy*. Born in 1964, Derrick began drumming as a child, practicing passionately from the age of six. Before Jamiroquai, he played with various bands including Urban Species, where he toured extensively across Europe and Japan. With Jamiroquai, Derrick has contributed to eight albums and participated in six sold-out world tours, helping the band sell over 25 million albums worldwide. His precise timing, funky grooves, and dynamic fills have been key to the band's signature sound. Beyond drumming, Derrick is also an award-winning songwriter and a DJ, known for his mix of soulful house and funk styles.

Derrick's musical style is influenced by classic soul and funk artists like Patrice Rushen and Prince, and drumming legends such as Billy Cobham. He is known for his dedication to consistency, highlighting the connection between his drumming and the vocal performance of Jamiroquai's frontman Jay Kay. Beyond his work with the band, Derrick pursues his own music projects and hosts a weekly radio show called *The Rhythm Sessions*. He plays Yamaha drums, favoring their Absolute Hybrid Maple kits for recording and live performances.

Genres

Nu Disco

Disco House

Funky House

Related Artists

Miguel Migs

Daft Punk

Mark Ronson

Purple Disco Machine

Moby

Jamiroquai

FKJ

Fatboy Slim

Justice

Modjo

Air

Nathan Dawe

Latest Release

The Present

Misha•

cocabona•

Joya Mooi•

Derrick Mckenzie

Single - Released August 15, 2025