Sikiru Adepoju

Sikiru Adepoju (born 10 November 1950) is a Nigerian percussionist and recording artist recognized for his mastery of the talking drum and his contributions to traditional African and world music. He was born into a drumming family in Eruwa, western Nigeria, where music was part of his heritage. His father, Chief Ayanleke Adepoju, was a respected drummer, and the name “Ayan” itself signifies descent from a lineage of drummers. Alongside his brothers Saminu and Lasisi, Adepoju began learning percussion at an early age.

As a teenager, he toured and recorded with the Inter-Reformers Band led by Juju music pioneer Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. This early professional exposure helped establish his reputation within Nigerian popular and traditional music circles.

In 1985, Adepoju moved to the United States to perform with O. J. Ekemode’s Nigerian All-Stars. Soon after, he met renowned percussionist Babatunde Olatunji and became a key member of Olatunji’s Drums of Passion ensemble. Through Olatunji, he connected with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, a collaboration that significantly shaped his international career.

Adepoju has since been involved in many of Mickey Hart’s musical projects, including Planet Drum, Global Drum Project, and other albums and tours that focus on global percussion traditions. His contribution to the Global Drum Project earned a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2009. He has also appeared with the Mickey Hart Band and contributed both percussion and vocals to their recordings.

Over the years, Adepoju has collaborated with a wide range of international artists across genres. These include Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder, Airto Moreira, Zakir Hussain, and others. His work reflects a balance between preserving Yoruba rhythmic traditions and engaging with global fusion contexts.

In addition to collaborations, Adepoju has led his own groups, such as The Honeymakers, Afrika Heartbeat, and Sikiru Adepoju & Heart Beat. His ensemble projects often combine African percussion traditions with contemporary global influences. One of his recent initiatives is the project “Riddim Doctors,” which brings together prominent percussionists from different traditions.

Adepoju’s career illustrates the global journey of African percussion, from hereditary local traditions to international concert stages and recordings. His work continues to highlight the cultural and musical depth of the talking drum while situating it within a broader world music dialogue.