Rafael Leafar

Rafael Leafar, 2020 Film & Music Kresge Artist Fellow, is a rare multi-instrumentalist who can combine great passion, intellectual discipline, and a spiritual fire that is evocative of great artistic creativity. He has established himself as a remarkable composer and musician not defined by any one particular genre or style. 

Hailing from Detroit, Rafael’s connection to music was fostered from a musical family at an early age. His professional music career began in 2009, and he has since recorded/ performed with major artists such as Reggie Workman, Jeff Mills, Moodyman, Robert Hurst, Marcus Belgrave, Luis Resto, Vincent Chandler, Marion Hayden, Sterling Toles, Detroit Jazz Festival Band, Kamau Kenyatta, and Detroit Composers Collective.