Gasper Lawal: The Percussive Symphony Behind Ajomasé
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Gasper Lawal, the Nigerian-born master drummer, has etched his unique ‘Afriki’ sound into the heart of global music since he emigrated to the UK in the 1970s. His innovative rock-jazz-fusion style, blended with Nigerian percussive elements, has enriched many renowned collaborations, including ones with luminaries like Ginger Baker’s Air Force, The Rolling Stones, and George Clinton’s Funkadelic. In the pursuit of a similar genre-bending rhythm, his debut album, ‘Ajomasé,’ was released in 1980.
Lawal began constructing ‘Ajomasé’ in 1976 in London, laying it out piece by piece over the span of four years. As a self-taught musician, he brought a meticulously planned touch to the whole process, composing, producing, and mixing it himself. He assembled an illustrious cadre of musicians from both his home country and the UK, frequently deploying handmade instruments. Lawal wanted to bring out an era-neutral rhythm, a timeless sound meant to resonate profoundly rather than just ride a fleeting trend.
Despite his music’s elusive genre, it didn’t stop the mass from embracing ‘Ajomasé.’ The album found airplay on UK radio, a rare feat for African records at that time. The acclaim translated into broad demand, leading to international exposure with vinyl distribution by Rough Trade. Following the success of ‘Ajomasé’, Lawal furthered his musical explorations with ‘Abiosun’ni’ in 1985 and ‘Kadara’ in 1991. Both albums echoed his unique style, often featuring collaborations with leading African musicians like Olalekan Babalola and Tunji Omoshebi.
Through Lawal’s Oro Band, which saw musicians such as Sola Akingbola (the percussionist for Jamiroquai) and Adesose Wallace rise to their own stardom. The band’s performances spanned the UK and Europe, including the prestigious WOMAD festivals and London’s esteemed Ronnie Scott’s. Lawal’s transcending rhythmic prowess led to invitations from Peter Gabriel, enabling his music to resonate at renowned venues like The Forum and Crystal Palace Stadium.
Lawal also had the honor of performing twice for Queen Elizabeth II in 1989 and 1990, marking the zenith of his expansive career. His improvised beats have rung across various TV networks, from Top of the Pops to David Attenborough’s Wildlife on One. Apart from live performances, Lawal has also been noteworthy for composing music for film and television, keeping his African percussive symphony alive across many mediums.
As a veteran performer and composer, Lawal’s musical evolution reflects his deep respect for traditional African music and his belief in its potential to adopt modern western influences. His music ventures outside the session realm, with various bands like Clancy, UB40, The Pogues, and Robert Palmer being key beneficiaries of his diverse portfolio. His collaboration with Zairean superstar Papa Wemba stood out, closing the 80s on a high note with a Royal Command Performance before Queen Elizabeth II and President Babangida. The release of his third album, Kodara, in 1990 further reiterated his iconic stature in the world of harmonious percussion. Without a doubt, Gasper Lawal’s unique musical footprint will continue to endear and hypnotize.
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