Sikiru Adepoju, the renowned Nigerian percussionist, holds a prestigious place in the music history of Nigeria, having won two Grammy Awards. Born into a musical family from Eruwa in Oyo State, Nigeria, Adepoju was introduced to the world of drumming at a young age by his father, Chief Ayanleke Adepoju. Coming from the Yoruba Ayan lineage, known for producing master drummers, Sikiru quickly honed his skills in drumming.
As a teenager, Adepoju gained early exposure by touring and recording with the Inter-Reformers Band, led by Nigerian Juju music legend, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. His undeniable talent soon brought him international recognition, leading to collaborations with some of the world’s top musicians.
Adepoju’s breakthrough came when he joined Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum, a group that blends percussion styles from different cultures. The self-titled album, Planet Drum, won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 1991, making Sikiru Adepoju the first and only Nigerian to win a Grammy at that time.
His success continued with his involvement in Mickey Hart’s Global Drum Project in 2009. The group’s album won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, further solidifying Adepoju’s reputation as one of the world’s finest percussionists.
Adepoju’s journey to international recognition began in 1985 when he moved to the United States to perform with O.J. Ekemode’s Nigerian All-Stars. Shortly after, he met Babatunde Olatunji, a legendary Nigerian percussionist, and joined his group, Drums of Passion. Through Olatunji, Adepoju was introduced to Mickey Hart, the drummer for the iconic rock band Grateful Dead, marking the beginning of a long-standing and fruitful collaboration.
