About Us

Product Information

 

 

 

Bali Shekeres was created by world renowned Percussionist Tim “Timbali” Cornwell, whose credits list entertainers such as Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Baby Face, Maxwell, and many more. In his 30 years of experience of touring, recording, and television, he has found that with great talent you also need great instruments. After having to replace a Shekere, Timbali found that it was very difficult to find quality Shekeres, and that Shekere making has become a lost art form, at that point Timbali decided to put his 30 years of experience into making his own brand and style of Shekeres and Shekere Bags. 
A Shekere is a beaded gourd instrument used in both traditional and contemporary music forms to create a rhythmic shaking sound and effect. Our Shekeres are not limited to musicians, but they can also serve as Sports Memorabilia and Home Décor. We also offer a line of Religious Ceremonial Instruments as well. Our newest theme is our Heritage 360 Shekeres, these Shekeres can tell someone’s story with images, words or a portrait anything that tells their story. So we would rather view our product as a multi functional art piece. One interesting characteristic of this instrument is that each one is unique and different whether it is the gourd, the beads, or designs. All of our gourds have been hand picked and treated. 
We believe in using the finest quality of gourds, cords, and beads. 
Last but not least, we welcome you to create and design your own Shekeres, Bali Shekeres is committed to creating the perfect Shekeres just for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHY                             

Tim “Timbali” Cornwell

                    “TIMBALI ALWAYS MAKES IT FEEL BETTER”

Education:  Aiken High School (Cincinnati, Ohio) – Music Theory, Jazz Band and Prep Band/Southern Ohio College- Song Writing and Marketing /University Of Cincinnati- Dictation and Theory/Cincinnati Arts Consortion- African Drum & Dance, Salsa, Brazilian and West Indies Music

Skills:  Percussion Instructor, Studio Musician, Sight Reading, Band Leader /Director, Vocals, Song Writing, Performer, Producer

Tim “Timbali” Cornwell has been playing and studying percussion for 29 years.  Although, self-taught, he has studied with renowned teachers, such as Baba Oloya Adelyamo, Markalino Diamond, and many others.

Timbali started his career in Cincinnati as a studio musician recording with R&B acts such as Midnight StarThe Whispers and Carrie Lucas, also, performed on several jingles and jazz recordings.

In 1988, Timbali decided to pursue his dream by relocating to Los Angeles to further his career in music. Within a year’s time, he auditioned for Janet Jackson and was chosen to be the percussionist for theRhythm Nation Tour.  Timbali feels this accomplishment has come to be a standard for the modern percussionist.

Due to the industry’s change of direction towards electronic music, Timbali developed ways of incorporating electronic and conventional percussion together to provide a live sound and feel.

To date, Timbali has performed and recorded with almost every major R&B/POP artist. According toBabyface: when he feels the music is just right, “Timbali always makes it feel better”.

Timbali has produced songs for major record labels and film projects.  Timbali is acknowledged by many as a truly rare and unique talent.

Tim “Timbali” Cornwell’s Credits and Partial list below:

  • Earth, Wind &  Fire
  • John Legend
  • Diddy
  • Yolanda Adams
  • James Taylor
  • Big and Rich
  • Toni Braxton
  • Mar J Blige
  • Dr. Dre
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Mary Mary
  • 2 Pac
  • Sting
  • Fred Hammonds
  • Kirk Franklin
  • Babyface
  • Patti Labelle
  • Martha Munizzi
  • Kwanza Jones
  • Prince
  • Wayman Tisdale
  • Paul Taylor
  • Chaka Khan
  • O Jay’s
  • Four Tops
  • Aretha Franklin
  • Andre Delano
  • Martina Mcbride
  • Fank Mc Comb
  • Smokey Robinson

TV Performances:

Oprah, 2010

The Grammy’s 2010

The Ellen Degeneres Show, 2009

Good Morning America, 2009

The Early Show, 2009

CNN Heroes, 2009

BET Honors, 2010

Jools Holland Show,  2009

The Jimmy Kimmel Show  2009

BET SOS Benefit for Haiti 2010

Arsenio Hall Show, Johnny Carson Show, Jay Leno Show, Rick Dees Into The Night, Billboard Music Awards, Grammy Awards,  American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Saturday Night Live, BET Planet Groove, MTV Jams, Keenen Ivory  Wayans Show, Vibe Show, Chris Rock Show, New York Undercover, BET Awards2006/09  The Late Show, Wayne Brady Show,  and the Celebration of Gospel Orchestra 2006/11

 

 

 

Tours:

Maxwell:  2009   World Tour

Maxwell:  2008 fall Tour

Giorgia:  Italian Tour 2008

Patti Labelle:  2004/2005,  Gerald Levert: 2006 SummerTour

Justin Timberlake:  Australian Tour 2004

Lionel Richie:  2004

Maxwell:  2001-2003

Janet Jackson 1990, Chuckii Booker 1990, R&B All-Star Band, 1991, Johnny Gill 1991, Gerald Albright 1991, Envogue 1992/1993, Lion King Production 1994-97, Babyface 1994 95, New Edition 1996/97, Laurne’ 1997, Kuh Ladesma 1997

Usher 1998, LSG 1998, Gerald Levert 1999-2003,

Vesta Williams 1989, New Edition 1989

Awards & Honors:

Top Fusion Band-Southern Ohio College, 1st Place in Michelob Jazz Search, Best Fusion Band-Jazzmen, 2nd Place Playboy’s Talent Showcase, Proclamation from the City of Cincinnati March 10, 1990, Tim”Timbali”Cornwell Day

Videos: Janet Jackson “Black Cat” , Maxwell “Fist Full of Tears,”  Lionel Richie “Cinderella, and ” Lisa Keith “No Body Better Than You”

PAISTE CYMBALS, D.W. HARDWARE, REGAL TIP STICKS, REMO HEADS, D DRUMS, TOCA PERCUSSION, K.A.T. ELECTRONICS, SHURE MICROPHONES, GIBRALTAR PERCUSSION HARDWARE.