Gasper Lawal’s music is a physical experience, a dense thicket of rhythm that feels both ancient and urgently modern. It is defined by his 'Afriki' sound, where the deep, communicative language of the talking drum is thrust into the electric friction of the London rock scene. The result is a swirling, high-energy fusion that prioritizes the groove above all else, layering complex West African percussion over driving basslines and sharp, soulful horn arrangements.
What truly sets Lawal apart is his 'octopus' approach to the kit. Unlike standard Afrobeat which often maintains a steady, hypnotic pulse, Lawal’s arrangements are restless and conversational. He treats every percussive element as a voice, creating a dialogue between traditional Yoruba rhythms and the psychedelic textures of 1970s and 80s fusion. It is music that demands movement, characterized by a raw, analog warmth that captures the sweat and spontaneity of a live ensemble.
To understand his genius, start with the album Ajomase. It serves as the perfect bridge between his session work for rock royalty and his vision as a solo composer. The tracks are masterclasses in tension and release, making it essential listening for anyone who loves Fela Kuti but wants something with a slightly more experimental, art-rock edge.
Gasper Lawal (born 23 September 1948 in Ijebu Ode, Nigeria) is a Nigerian drummer, griot, and composer who has publicized traditional African percussive languages in the West. As a performer, his "Afriki" sound created a fusion of Nigerian percussion styles with rock and jazz. Since the early 1970s, Lawal has been part of the West African music scene in the UK. Described by music magazine Blues & Soul in 1989 as the "Nigerian octopus of sticks 'n' drums and anything percussive", he has worked extensively as a session player and arranger. Credits include work with The Rolling Stones, Stevie Winwood, John Martyn, Robert Palmer, Joe Cocker, Camel, Stephen Stills, Elkie Brooks, Babe Ruth (band), The Pogues, Joan Armatrading, Eddy Grant, Hugh Masekela, Barbra Streisand, Elvin Jones, Clancy, Ginger Baker's Air Force, Funkadelic and Dr. John. In 1980, Lawal formed a group called the Oro Band, which nurtured musicians such as Adesose Wallace, and Sola Akingbola (percussionist for Jamiroquai) who would go on to have their own successful careers. The Oro Band performed throughout Europe and the UK, including headline concerts at The Forum, Astoria, and Ronnie Scott's in London; and supporting Peter Gabriel at Earls Court and Crystal Palace Stadium, several WOMAD festivals, Glastonbury Festival, the African Festival in Sardinia, and the Multicultural Festival in Barcelona. In pursuit of a solo career, Lawal has released three albums entitled Ajomase (Cap Records, 1980), Abiosun'ni (Hot Records, 1985), and Kadara (Globe Style, 1991). "Kita-Kita", the hit single from Abiosun'ni remains one of the most played African records on UK radio. Lawal performed for Queen Elizabeth II on two occasions: first at a special banquet for the Nigerian president in 1989 and then for the Commonwealth Celebrations Day in 1990. Television and radio appearances have included Top of the Pops, MTV's Week in Rock, Kaleidoscope, Network Africa, The Old Grey Whistle Test, and David Attenborough's Wildlife on One special The Leopard (BBC1, 1995). Lawal also composes for film and television, with music for the concert for Nelson Mandela in 1984, parts of the soundtrack for Erica Russell's award-winning animation Feet of Song (Channel 4, 1989), BBC documentary Nigeria: Giant on Trial (BBC2, 1992), African Express (Channel 4, 1996), and several television commercials.
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