Harvel Nakundi was born in Miami. He was introduced to the drums at the age of 3 through local churches in Southern Florida. Since then, Harvel has been able to study, perform, record and tour with world renowned artists including but not limited to: Jennifer Lopez, Emeline Michel, Nicole Henry, Savion Glover, Kirk Whalum, Myron Butler, Lewis Nash, Terence Blanchard, Frankie J, James Moody. Harvel has performed at some of the top venues and festivals worldwide including: Russia, Haiti, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France, Martinique, and Australia. In addition, Harvel is a faculty member of the illustrious Frost school of music (UM). In demands nationally and internationally Harvel is co-founder of the band Smoogies, recording their debut album with the trumpeter Nicholas Payton. Harvel teaches K-12 at schools statewide, assisting in instructional college music courses around the world and has been devoted to help bringing awareness to the arts in the Caribbean.