Sikiru Adepoju: Nigerian Percussionist and Recording Artist

Sikiru Adepoju: Nigerian Percussionist and Recording Artist
Birth Date: November 10, 1950
Genres: Traditional African Music, World Music

Sikiru Adepoju is a celebrated Nigerian percussionist, renowned for his mastery of the talking drum and contributions to both traditional African and world music. Adepoju plays various instruments and styles, drawing from his rich musical heritage.

Background
Sikiru Adepoju was born into a musical family in Eruwa, western Nigeria. His father, Chief Ayanleke Adepoju, was a drummer whose name, “Ayan,” signifies a lineage of drummers. Sikiru and his brothers, Saminu and Lasisi, began learning drumming under their father’s tutelage at a young age. By his teenage years, Adepoju was already touring and recording with Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey’s Inter-Reformers Band, contributing to the early Afro-beat movement.

Musical Career
Move to the United States
In 1985, Adepoju moved to the U.S. to perform with O. J. Ekemode’s Nigerian All-Stars. It was during this time that he met Babatunde Olatunji, which marked a turning point in his career. He became a vital member of Olatunji’s Drums of Passion ensemble and, through Olatunji, connected with Mickey Hart, drummer of the Grateful Dead.

Collaborations with Mickey Hart
Adepoju became a frequent guest percussionist with Hart and Bill Kreutzmann during the Grateful Dead’s Rhythm Devils segments. His work with Mickey Hart extended to various projects, including:

Albums and Tours: Mickey Hart’s Mystery Box, At the Edge, Supralingua.
Grammy-Winning Projects: Planet Drum and Global Drum Project.
Mickey Hart Band: Featured on the album Mysterium Tremendum and vocals on “Who Stole the Show?”
Collaborations with Other Artists
Adepoju has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including:

Carlos Santana
Stevie Wonder
Airto Moreira
Zakir Hussain
The String Cheese Incident
Bola Abimbola
His versatility has made him a sought-after artist for projects blending global rhythms and traditional African sounds.

Leading His Own Bands
Adepoju also leads several bands:

The Honeymakers
Afrika Heartbeat: Released their debut album, Ijinle Ilu, in 2003.
Sikiru Adepoju & Heart Beat: Made their debut on July 22, 2009, at the 29th Starwood Festival.
Current Project: Riddim Doctors
His current ensemble, Riddim Doctors, includes an international roster of talent such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Zakir Hussain, and Femi Ojetunde, blending global percussion traditions.

Legacy
Sikiru Adepoju’s impact extends beyond his drumming mastery. From his early days with Ebenezer Obey to international recognition, he has been a key figure in bringing African percussion to global audiences, enriching world music with his distinctive sound and collaborative spirit.