Adeniyi Drumz’ cover of the popular Nigerian Christian Gospel song, “We Will Be Many” by the trio Sound of Salem, Lawrence Oyor and Moses Akoh, rings as a laudable expression that showcases his technique and expertise as a drummer. His precise delivery across the 3-minute spin reflects a rising knack for audacious and stellar instrumentation, a phenomena that continues to distinguish the performances by Nigerian Christian gospel musicians.

Adeniyi’s technical proficiency is visible from the very first minute of the song, as his dramatic drum rolls usher in the vocals with a punchy intensity. The “la la la, la la la lalalala” intro serves as a gentle undertone for Adeniyi’s fluctuating groove, which piques especially around the chorus and bridge. While the rest of the singing sits on a gentle polyrhythmic groove, Adeniyi’s intense drum rolls and rimshots accentuate the rendition’s overall vibrance and performance.

His melodic interpretation of the song — especially in the flat pulse of the bass drum (used throughout the song) and the charismatic fill (used both as transitions and to distinguish the bridge) from the floor toms, snares and cymbals — also raises the overall rendition.

As an accompaniment, cocktailed by both guitar, and piano chords, Adeniyi’s drum progressions aptly complements the other instruments in the rendition. His spirited drumming increases the sonic vibrance of the guitar strings and piano chords, which mostly surface during the chorus and transitions, as well as overall melodic tension and release.

In keeping with the original recording, Adeniyi’s drumming ushers in a revamped experience of the original “We Will Be Many” composition, pivoting the vocal and harmonic experience towards a dance-heavy groove. The entire rendition is a refreshing twist that amplifies the original song, while retaining most of its harmonic composition and also its vocals. It’s very akin to the original recording, with its audio-engineering fitted primarily to reflect a live-performance experience.

Minus Adeniyi Drumz’ charged display, especially becoming the fulcrum for the guitarist and vocalist’s deliveries, his energetic stage mien lights up his performance. The musician’s drumstick falls temporarily, but Adeniyi Drumz makes his own mishaps feel like intentional pauses, a sleight of hand technique that dazzles in an explosive bang on the floor-toms after he picks his drumstick up. His rapid and witty improvisation, in short, keeps his flaws at the short end of the stick.

Overall, Adeniyi Drumz on “We Will Be Many” cover performance is a hearty, technically profound, and energetic display that keeps his repute as a percussive powerhouse to watch out for.

Born Adeniyi Adekoya, Adeniyi Drumz is a Nigerian cultural educator and percussionist who continues to spread his skill and wits across the world, one performance at a time.