Praise Emmanuel Adebayo: Gifted drummer boy, saxophonist

Twelve-year-old Praise Emmanuel Adebayo is a JSS3 pupil. He started quite early in his journey to uncover, develop and perfect his talents, which are now widely acknowledged. For him, the passion is what pushes him to give his best in these arenas. He is, however, inclined towards using his talents to praise the Lord.

He said: “I started with the drums at the age of four in church. I started playing saxophone three years ago. I discovered that I have passion for playing instruments, when at a global competition I saw other kids playing the saxophone. This made me develop interest in it, although I was already into drumming.”

He is especially good with the talking drum, which has exposed and taken him far.

“I have contested in global gospel talent competitions, including God’s Children Great Talent (GCGT) in the 2015 and 2016 editions,” he said. “I won top prize in category 7-9 at RCCG, province 48 and the semi-finalist where I got my first Soprano Sax as gift.”

He also featured in Kids Say The Darndest Thing in 2016, Super Smart Kids 2017 and Top 10 Nigeria Wonder Kids in 2018 by Top10 Magazine.

On what inspires him, he said: “I’m motivated to create praise sound to make people around me happy and forget their sorrow. It is also about using my talents to promote God’s presence, inspiring other kids across the globe, and awaking parents to discover their children’s talents.

“I have been privileged to share stage with mentors and great gospel ministers, including Mike Abdul, Tope Alabi, Frank Edward, Tosin Bee, Bidemi Aloba, BeejaySax, Funmi Sax and many more. I have ministered in some states in Nigeria, at churches and social functions, all to the glory of God.”

Interestingly, all this has in no way prevented him from performing well in school. How has he been able to achieve this?

He said: “My parents help me a lot with my school work. I had distinction marks in ABRSM Grade 3 practical examination in 2018. My parents help in managing all my problems, both with my music and school.

So, what are his future plans?

“I love animals and want to be an animal scientist. All kids have talents. So, everyone should make effort to discover his or her talent discover. My Praise Generation Concert 1.0 held in April 2019,” he said.

What is his advice to his peers?

“They should engage in anything they have passion for and enjoy doing. They should also keep trying to realise their dreams, no matter the challenges on the way. The beginning is now,” he said.

Contact: Tweeter & IG: Praizyhm

Facebook & YouTube: @praiseemmaadebayo