Two-time GRAMMY-Award winner Sikiru Adepoju, a Nigerian talking drum and other traditional drums master, is unveiling his new collaborative project The Riddim Doctors’ with the album’s vibrant debut single “Ajaja.” Released via MansMark Records and distributed by DashGo, the song is available across all digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and more.
Sikiru’s brainchild, The Riddim Doctors is made up of himself and his brother Saminu Adepoju as well as Peter Fujii, Giovanni Hildalgo, Ian Herman, Richard Nagan, Femi Ojetunde and Douglas Val Serrant.
“The Riddim Doctors is a project I started to continue to celebrate African roots music while also giving it new life and blending it with other flavors,” Adepoju said. “‘Ajaja’ is the perfect first song to be released because it embodies the heart of the entire project. ‘Ajaja’ is a calling of the ancestral spirits, appreciating their contributions and presence as we celebrate life for a common good. The hope behind this album is to unite people in celebration of life and goodness.”
“Ajaja” is a fresh take on legendary drummer Babatunde Olatunji’s previously produced and released by Mickey Hart of Grateful Dead. The new version features his powerful lead vocals, combined with a careful blend of percussion and musical instruments created to lift the spirit of the listener. The song begins with a performance from Tabla drums king, Zakir Hussain and followed by the pop-styled vocal delivery of Bola Abimbola. The single and forthcoming nine-track album OPE, which means “give thanks” is releasing on MansMark Records, home to the final studio recordings of Olatunji.
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