Berber musician Seddik Zebiri has broken many hearts - and at 57 is still charming audiences with his infectious mix of Berber rhythms, jazz and blues. It’s music to dance to, but as Zebiri points out, “If you want to live well you have to have peace, and if you want peace you have to be peaceful. So music has a major role to play in bringing cultures together to unite and share.”

Born in Algeria, Zebiri is a drummer and singer, but did not start to take music seriously until his late twenties. Brought up through war and revolution, Zebiri left Algeria for Paris in 1965 and was involved in the student movement of 1968. “I started drums because I wanted to get out of politics – I realised that if I carried on I was going to end up getting killed. And I don’t believe in vengeance - the only blessed ideology is music.”

Moving to London in 1975, Zebiri started playing at the Winchester Project, and four years later, set up his band, The Seeds of Creation. Although the line-up has changed many times over the years, the principles remain the same. “My vision is to create peace – the band is multi-faith and multi-culture.” His most recent project Africa Africa, in tune with this spirit, brings together musicians from across Africa.

Over his long career, Zebiri has played with Abdullah Ibrahim, Masta African Drummers and The Art Ensemble of Chicago and the dance act Firestarter. He has taught in schools and worked with special needs adults and children. Zebiri would love to do more recording and his dream is to set up a North African Arts Centre – though he will never stop performing. “When I perform it is like love – you’re giving something and taking something at the same time.”