THE BAND

Lumar plays drums, raps, and sings, talents shaped by the music of his community and the influence of school music programs. His earliest inspirations came from home: a father with vocal scholarships to Florida A&M and a family rooted in song. His musical education expanded thanks to mentors like Edwin Hampton of St. Augustine High School, Joseph Torregano, Byron Bernard, and the entire Sixth Ward community in the Lafitte Projects at 671 North Prieur. He also draws deep influence from Dejan’s Olympia Brass Band, Cyril Neville, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Quincy Jones, Billie Holiday, Benjamin Butler, Louis Armstrong, and the great Bob Marley, alongside the powerful storytelling and lyricism of hip hop icons like Rakim, Nas, and Wu Tang Clan.

What Lumar loves most about performing with The Soul Rebels is the brotherhood, the spiritual connection on stage, and the creativity they share. Among his favorite songs to perform live are “Let Your Mind Be Free” and “Asiatic Funk,” pieces that reflect his spiritual and cultural journey, connecting him to Black culture, love, freedom, and peace.

Through his time with the band, Lumar has collected unforgettable memories with giants like Nas, Rakim, Branford Marsalis, The Roots, and Metallica. His contributions to The Soul Rebels include spiritual guidance, leadership, musical excellence, fashion, style, and a grounding presence rooted in peace and love.

Outside of music, Lumar is deeply connected to sneaker culture, hip hop, physical fitness, clean eating, education, and spirituality. He is committed to personal growth through reading, learning, and exploring therapeutic healing. Fans may not know that he holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and is currently completing his PhD.

Lumar hopes listeners feel positive energy, peace, and love when they hear Soul Rebels music. His biggest inspirations for forming the band are God The Most High, the original members of the group, Cyril Neville, and the Olympia Brass Band. Growing up in New Orleans—specifically in the Treme and the Lafitte Projects—shaped every part of who he is, giving him cultural and emotional insight that he now shares with the world.

His dream collaborations include Sade, Jay Electronica, Chris Dave, Rage Against the Machine, Sonny Rollins, Ron Carter, Public Enemy, DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, and the many artists he has performed with over the years. In another lifetime, he would choose to create with John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Louis Armstrong.

When touring, Lumar loves exploring new cities, meeting new people, discovering local food spots, and hunting for sneaker gems in communities around the world.

Looking forward, Lumar sees The Soul Rebels evolving into Fresh Hip Hop, Super Interactive Jazz, Deep Rooted Funk in the spirit of James Brown and the Funky Drummer, and innovative explorations with electronic sounds and equipment. Rooted in tradition and driven by progression, his vision reflects the limitless path of The Soul Rebels.