Drummer Sikiru Adepoju releases single Take Me Home Country Roads

By Abankula

Sikiru Adepoju, a two-time GRAMMY-winning artist and celebrated Nigerian talking drum master, releases “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” the second single from “ỌPẸ,” the upcoming collaboration with the Riddim Doctors, on MansMark Records.

Single is from the ỌPẸ African roots collaboration on MansMark Records, the AfroWest Music Hub.

According to MansMark Records, the single is a re-imagining of the beloved country classic.

It melds African stylings with global musical influences in a collage of intricate guitar articulations, shimmering steel drums and the sonorous undulations of talking drum, all layered beneath the resonant timbres and easygoing phrasings of vocalist Rashida Clendening, a.k.a. Audio Angel.

Adepoju, who longtime musical collaborator Mickey Hart dubs “the Mozart of Talking Drum”, found deep inspiration in John Denver’s timeless ode to the quiet splendour of nature and the universal yearning for a place to call one’s own.

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He said the recording is a testament to the power that a great song has to transcend genres, as well as an opportunity to showcase the talents of his A-list collaborators.

“I couldn’t resist adding my African touch to the song after I heard how sweetly guitarists Peter Fujii and Dave Schools played it-and how beautifully Audio Angel [Rashida Clendening] sang it-the first time in the studio,” he said.

“I believe the listeners will support my decision.”

Cover of the single Take Me Home Country Roads

Released via MansMark Records, and distributed by DashGo, “Country Roads” is available now across all digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon.

The Riddim Doctors project aims to celebrate African roots music while also infusing it with diverse new flavours: “The hope behind this album is to unite people in celebration of life and goodness,” said Adepoju.

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Listen to the preview here: MansMark Records

The all-star international ensemble features Adepoju, sibling and fellow percussionist Saminu Adepoju, fusion guitarist Peter Fujii, Latin jazz percussionist Giovanni Hildalgo, drummer Ian Herman, singer and multi-instrumentalist Richie “Shakin” Nagan, producer and songwriter Femi Ojetunde and steel drummer Douglas Val Serrant.

Guest artists include tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools, Dead & Company keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, pianist/composer Osam Ezzeldin, vocalist Audio Angel (Rashida Clendening), guitarist Paul Tao El-Shaddai, drummer Joel Smith, vocalist Bola Abimbola, percussionist/vocalist Lindsey Schust, bassist Sammy Fayoseh and longtime Bob Weir collaborator and onetime Primus drummer Jay Lane.

The Riddim Doctors’ debut album, “ỌPẸ” (Yoruba Nigerian for “gratitude”), will be released on MansMark Records, the AfroWest Music Hub, on September 24, 2020.

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MansMark Records is the home of the last official studio recordings of Babatunde Olatunji.

Prince Ayo Manuel Ajisebutu, founder of MansMark Records, is committed to upholding Olatunji’s legacy by associating his work with music and projects that promote love, peace, and elevation of humanity.

Babatunde Olatunji is from Ajido Badagry Lagos State Nigeria.

In 1992, he received a Grammy Award for his participation on Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum Project.

*Press statement by MansMark Records