Draft:Damani Leidsman
| Submission declined on 4 July 2025 by Qcne (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
Mushroom Mosis | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Damani Leidsman |
| Also known as | Mushroom Mosis |
| Origin | Suriname / Netherlands |
| Genres | Jazz, pop, soul, gospel, neo soul |
| Occupation(s) | Artist, educator, producer |
| Instrument | Vocals |
Damani Leidsman is a Surinamese-Dutch artist, educator, and producer, known professionally as Mushroom Mosis. His work spans music, theatre, and performance, and is deeply informed by African and diasporic oral traditions, healing practices, and Afrofuturism.
Early Life and Education
[edit]Damani Leidsman was raised between the Netherlands and Suriname. From a young age, he was immersed in music through church and the Afro-Surinamese music and theatre company NAKS (Na Arbeid Komt Sport). In his family, musical expression was a given, with the focus being on how one would participate, either through singing or playing an instrument.
Despite his deep-seated passion for the arts, Leidsman initially pursued an academic path, studying Civil Engineering at the Delft University of Technology. He worked at a drinking water company and as a research assistant at the university before deciding to commit fully to a career in the arts.[1]
Career
[edit]Musical Career
[edit]Leidsman's early music career involved numerous collaborations and projects, including providing backing vocals for rappers and forming various bands. He eventually adopted the moniker Mushroom Mosis, which was the name of a former band. As the sole remaining member, he decided to retain the name for his solo project. Under this name, he has developed a distinct sound that blends jazz, pop, soul, and gospel.
In 2016, Mushroom Mosis released his debut self-titled EP, with a release show at the renowned Amsterdam venue, Paradiso, on June 15, 2016. His debut full-length album, The Wellspring, was released in 2022 and explored personal themes of depression. His upcoming album, Trace Elements, scheduled for release on September 5, 2025, shifts its focus to broader themes of ancestry, migration, and survival, drawing from neo soul and Afro-Surinamese rhythms.[2]
Theatre and Performance
[edit]Beyond his work as a recording artist, Leidsman is an active performer in the theatre world. His notable collaborations include:
- Meer dan Bauxiet (2024-2025): A musical live-documentary by Emma Lesuis and Silbersee about Suriname during World War II. In this production, Leidsman performs as a vocalist, contributing to the narrative of untold stories from the former Dutch colony. The show was a highlight of the 2024 Oerol Festival.[3]
- ODO (2024): A production by Wensley Piqué and Dawn Collective, ODO uses puppetry, live cinema, and soundscapes to explore the history and resilience of Maroon communities in Suriname. Leidsman appears on stage, providing vocals and contributing to the performance.[4]
Other Activities
[edit]Damani Leidsman is also a creative producer and an advisor for several cultural institutions in the Netherlands, including the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts (AFK) and CultuurSchakel. He is a co-founder of CLOUD/Danslab, a research space for artists to develop new work.
Artistry
[edit]Leidsman's artistic practice centers on the concept of art as a space for healing and joy. His work as Mushroom Mosis is characterized by a warm vocal delivery and music that aims to feel like a "conversation between the past and the future." He is influenced by his Surinamese heritage, incorporating traditional and spiritual elements into a contemporary framework of soul, jazz, and pop music.
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- The Wellspring (2022)
- Trace Elements (2025)
Extended Plays
[edit]- Mushroom Mosis (2016)
Theatre Credits
[edit]| Year(s) | Production | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–2025 | Meer dan Bauxiet | Vocals, Performer |
| 2024 | ODO | Vocals, Performer |
References
[edit]- ^ "Mushroom Mosis: 'Mijn muziek is een gesprek tussen het verleden en de toekomst'" (in Dutch). NPO. 28 January 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Mushroom Mosis (album release)" (in Dutch). Paradiso. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Meer dan Bauxiet - Emma Lesuis & Silbersee" (in Dutch). Het Nationale Theater. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "ODO" (in Dutch). Theater aan de Rijn. Retrieved 4 July 2025.