From an early age, Lucas was immersed in a world where spirituality, music and cultural exchange were deeply intertwined. Raised in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where his parents were engaged in community work, Lucas developed a deep respect for cultural diversity, the simplicity of village life and Christian values. This openness to different cultural expressions developed during a trip to Senegal, where he first encountered the ethereal sounds of the Kora, a 21-string West African harp that would later shape his musical path.
Upon returning to Canada, Lucas took up the cello at the age of 7, an instrument he played with natural ease and devotion. However, during his adolescent years and studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, Lucas found himself disillusioned by the competitive pressures of the classical music world. The weight of performance anxiety and a repetitive strain injury left him questioning his artistic path and life’s purpose. Searching for a deeper connection to music beyond technical mastery, he took a break from his studies and traveled to St. Louis in Senegal, where he began his first lessons on the kora with Dialy Kouyate, who encouraged Lucas to integrate the instrument into his artistic vision.
After completing his studies with cellist Paul Pulford, the Penderecki String Quartet and soprano Kimberly Barber, Lucas moved to Toronto, where he became immersed in spiritual and musical communities. He played for kirtans and yoga classes, studied soundwork with Gary Diggins, and explored mindfulness meditation all while maintaining a connection to his Christian roots. For seven years, he co-hosted a monthly chamber concert series at St. Anne’s Anglican Church with flautist Jamie Thompson, collaborating with over fifty local musicians and artists. In 2024 the historic church, adorned with Group of Seven paintings, was tragically lost in a fire.
Upon returning to his hometown Waterloo, Lucas completed an MA in Community Music with Dr. Gerard Yun (choral conductor and shakuhachi teacher). After moving to London ON in 2021, Lucas felt a strong calling to find solace in an inclusive church community again and to explore scripture in a way that embraced aspects of liberal progressive theology.
Lucas now lives in London, ON where he slowly began weaving elements of Christianity into his songwriting. He composes devotional chants, blessings and prayers that reflect a lifelong pursuit of truth, weaving the beauty of nature and diverse traditions with the transformative love of Christ (continued below).
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Musical Collaborations
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Recording on award-winning albums, including the Grammy-nominated album Asia Beauty by Ron Korb
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Playing at Church services and hosting several chant concerts where proceeds went to indwell.ca to support affordable housing
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Accompanying devotional chant artist Brenda McMorrow at concerts in Canada and Sweden
Lucas has facilitated workshops at the Ignatius Retreat Centre, Hillside Music Festival and has performed at several festivals. He has also presented at an International Community Music Conference in Waterloo and played in hospital and hospice settings, bringing healing through music.
A skilled instrument maker, Lucas crafts African-style harps. In addition to traditional 21-string Koras and Kamale Ngonis made with gourds, he also creates smaller, user-friendly koras with wooden bowls.
Education & Availability
Lucas holds a BA in Music Performance and an MA in Community Music (Wilfrid Laurier University).
He is available for workshops, concerts, and retreats at:
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Churches & Yoga Studios
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Festivals & Retreats
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Retirement Homes
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Community Centres
Lucas’ artistic vision is to facilitate welcoming musical experiences that nurture devotion and belonging, using community singing, inclusive sound-making, meditation, and prayer as pathways to shared spiritual connection.