Project Review: Sammy & Friends freestyle session

With over 25 years behind the drum kit, Samuel Aloghemen has built a reputation for rhythmic precision, adaptability, and raw energy. His new project, Sammy & Friends Freestyle Session, is less ab...

With over 25 years behind the drum kit, Samuel Aloghemen has built a reputation for rhythmic precision, adaptability, and raw energy. His new project, Sammy & Friends Freestyle Session, is less about polish and more about capturing the spirit of live creativity. Across its two tracks, Sammy’s drumming takes centre stage, showing both his deep roots in traditional rhythms and his ability to shape them into modern, unexpected forms.

The opening track, “6/8 Again”, is a compelling study in contrasts. Built on the classic 6/8 feel, Sammy drives the groove with commanding yet fluid strokes, balancing structure and improvisation. There’s a pulse here that feels ancestral, yet the execution is unmistakably contemporary. The supporting instrumentation provides texture, but it’s the drums that dictate the pace, shifting seamlessly from subtle accents to commanding bursts of energy.

On “Freestyle Hip-Hop”, Sammy pushes into new ground. Borrowing from the grit of trap rhythms, he reimagines the style through live drumming, proving that programmed beats are not the only way to achieve that bounce. His hi-hat-inspired phrasing, crisp snare work, and unpredictable fills transform what could have been a straightforward jam into something layered and dynamic. It’s a demonstration of versatility, taking the essence of hip-hop and refracting it through the lens of live performance.

What makes this project striking is not just technical ability but the sense of freedom. Sammy doesn’t overplay; he listens, responds, and lets rhythm lead the way. These tracks are honest, unfiltered, and deeply musical snapshots of a drummer who has mastered the art of conversation through rhythm.

Verdict: A bold project that affirms Sammy Drumz as both innovator and storyteller — and a must-hear for promoters, venues, and radio DJs seeking fresh, live-driven energy.

 

 

 

Wale Oloworekende

Guardian Life

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