Professional Biography
Professor Idi “Ras” Banamungu is an internationally recognised academic, author, therapeutic arts innovator, and community leader. He is the pioneer of Laughter Percussion, a groundbreaking modality combining rhythm, laughter, movement, and counselling psychology to promote mental well-being, resilience, and community connection.
He holds multiple doctoral degrees—including a PhD in Human Rights & Migration Law from Kennedy University (City of Paris in France)—and an honorary professorship. His work spans mental health, multicultural empowerment, disability support, music therapy, and global education development.
As Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of Laughter Percussion Academy, Professor Banamungu leads an NDIS-registered institution delivering recognised training, innovative therapeutic workshops, and advanced community programs. He also fronts Ras Banamungu & The Det-n-ators International, using music as a tool of healing and cultural empowerment.
Education
- PhD (Human Rights & Migration Law) — Kennedy University, City of Paris in France (2025)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) — International Business School of Scandinavia, Denmark
- Honorary Doctor of Music Therapy & Counselling Psychology — IBSS, Denmark
- Doctor of Arts — In Progress, London School of Management & Technology
- Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) — Sydney Gateway
- Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership — Institute of Safety Management & Technology
- Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management — Australia
- Diploma in Counselling — Australia
- Diploma in Community Services — Australia
- Diploma in Laughter Therapy — UK
- Diploma in Music Therapy — UK
- Religious Studies Diploma — Centre of Excellence, UK
Academic & Professional Appointments
- Honorary Professor of Counselling Psychology, Laughter Percussion & Management Learning — Kennedy University of Baptist, Florida
- Global Appointed Agent (2025–2029) — Azteca University
- Founder & Chief Innovation Officer — Laughter Percussion Academy
International Academic Partnerships
Euro American Education – Alternate Channel Partner (Service Agreement, 30 Oct 2025)
Laughter Percussion Academy, represented by Professor Idi Banamungu, entered a formal Service Agreement with Euro American Education (Switzerland), becoming an official Alternate Channel Partner / Service Provider.
Purpose: Delivery of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs; expansion of global education pathways
Significance: Strengthens the academy’s involvement in international academic networks (EIMT, Birchwood, CVI, EAI, LSMT)
Publications
- Recognizing Prior Learning: Unlocking Skills and Opportunities (Vol. 1)
- The Smiling Face of Australia: Mental Health Self-Help
- Harmonious Healing: Exploring the Therapeutic Power of Music
- Unleashing Your Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Personal Development Coaching
- The Communication Nexus: Unveiling the Power and Reach of Mass Media
- The Impact of Laughter Percussion on Mental Health: An Innovative Approach to Counselling Psychology
Awards & Recognition
- New York Times Global Advertising Recognition (2024) — Featured with 1,611,644 impressions
- AUBA Embracing Excellence Award (2024) — Australian Business Awards
- Featured Author — American Library Association Annual Showcase
- Recognised for multicultural mental health leadership in Australia
Community & Cultural Engagement
- Free Laughter Percussion workshops for multicultural and disadvantaged communities
- Sponsor of African and multicultural festivals across WA
- Founder — Ras Banamungu & The Det-n-ators International TV
- Advocate for disability inclusion (NDIS) and trauma-informed community healing
- Cultural ambassador for African and Rwandan diaspora communities
Areas of Expertise
- Laughter Percussion Therapy
- Music Therapy & Rhythmic Psychology
- Counselling Psychology
- Disability & Multicultural Community Services
- Academic Research & Course Development
- Leadership & Strategic Innovation
- Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation
- Therapeutic Creative Arts
