Nicolas BILLI
ASBA artist – Okali
Drummer since the age of 5, Nicolas blends jazz, trip-hop, and hybrid music, drawing inspiration from his travels, particularly in India and Brazil. Today, with the Okali project, he develops an afro trip-hop sound with electric textures, driven by the search for shared rhythm and emotion.
He began playing drums at the age of 5 at the Aveyron Conservatory, where he earned his diploma, before continuing his studies at the Toulouse Conservatory. Alongside this, he trained in classical percussion and jazz vibraphone, gradually broadening his musical universe.
His music is deeply shaped by travel. India and Brazil, in particular, have left a strong mark on his journey: there he discovered the tablas and the pandeiro, but above all a different way of living and feeling rhythm, more organic, more intimate. These experiences transformed the way he plays, listens, and creates.
A curious and versatile musician, he moves freely between styles: jazz, trip-hop, and hybrid music. He has taken part in numerous projects and collaborations, including a memorable performance alongside Dave Liebman at the Jazz in Marciac festival.
Today, he is involved in the Okali project, an afro trip-hop sound with electric colors. With this group, he has performed on major stages and festivals such as Arte Concert, Zénith, Fête de l’Humanité, and Un Été à Pau, always in search of a rhythm to share and an emotion to convey.
“My ASBA Simone is a living instrument: it breathes, responds to the slightest touch, and allows me to explore a groove that is both organic and deeply musical.”