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Grammy-Winning Nigerian Artist Sikiru Adepoju Releases Second Single With Riddim Doctors Project

By: Get News

LOS ANGELES – August 21, 2020 – Vibrant remake of John Denver’s iconic “Take Me Home, Country Roads” brings African flavor to the beloved country classic.

Single is second release from “ỌPẸ,” forthcoming African roots collaboration on MansMark Records, the AfroWest Music Hub

Preview “Take Me Home, Country Roads” HERE.

Two-time GRAMMY® Award winner Sikiru Adepoju, a world-renowned master of Nigerian talking drum, today debuted “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” the second single from “ỌPẸ,” the upcoming album with collaborative project the Riddim Doctors, on MansMark Records, the AfroWest Music Hub.

[Nigerian Talking Drum Master Sikiru Adepoju.]

Adepoju, dubbed “the Mozart of Talking Drum” by longtime musical collaborator Mickey Hart, found deep inspiration in John Denver’s timeless ode to the quiet splendor of nature and the universal yearning for a place to call one’s own.

His sunny, buoyant re-imagining of the beloved country classic melds African stylings with global musical influences in a collage of intricate guitar articulations, shimmering steel drums and the sonorous undulations of talking drum, all layered beneath the resonant timbres and easygoing phrasings of vocalist Rashida Clendening, a.k.a. Audio Angel.

Adepoju says the recording is a testament to the power that a great song has to transcend genres, as well as an opportunity to showcase the talents of his A-list collaborators. “I couldn’t resist adding my African touch to the song after I heard how sweetly guitarists Peter Fujii and Dave Schools played it — and how beautifully Audio Angel [Rashida Clendening] sang it — the first time in the studio,” he says. “I believe the listeners will support my decision.”

Released via MansMark Records and distributed by DashGo, “Country Roads” is available now across all digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon. 

The Riddim Doctors project aims to celebrate African roots music while also infusing it with diverse new flavors: “The hope behind this album is to unite people in celebration of life and goodness,” says Adepoju.

The all-star international ensemble features Adepoju, sibling and fellow percussionist Saminu Adepoju, fusion guitarist Peter Fujii, Latin jazz percussionist Giovanni Hildalgo, drummer Ian Herman, singer and multi-instrumentalist Richie “Shakin” Nagan, producer and songwriter Femi Ojetunde and steel drummer Douglas Val Serrant. Guest artists include tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools, Dead & Company keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, pianist/composer Osam Ezzeldin, vocalist Audio Angel (Rashida Clendening), guitarist Paul Tao El-Shaddai, drummer Joel Smith, vocalist Bola Abimbola, percussionist/vocalist Lindsey Schust, bassist Sammy Fayoseh and longtime Bob Weir collaborator and onetime Primus drummer Jay Lane.

The Riddim Doctors’ debut album, “ỌPẸ” (Yoruba Nigerian for “gratitude”), will be released on MansMark Records, the AfroWest Music Hub, on September 24, 2020.                                                                                                                                     

For album review copies, artist interviews and other press requests, contact Yemi Ajisebutu at yemi@mansmark.com.

About MansMark Records

MansMark Records is the home of the last official studio recordings of Babatunde Olatunji. Prince Ayo Manuel Ajisebutu, founder of MansMark Records, is committed to upholding Olatunji’s legacy by associating his work with music and projects that promote love, peace, and elevation of humanity. Babatunde Olatunji is from Ajido Badagry Lagos State Nigeria. In 1992, he received a Grammy Award for his participation on Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum Project.  

To learn more, visit www.MansMark.com.

Media Contact
Contact Person: Yemi Ajisebutu, Director of Media Relations & Technology
Email: Send Email
Phone: yemi@mansmark.com
Country: United States
Website: http://www.mansmark.com

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