Michael Oloyede, the talented and visionary artiste, has released his much-anticipated album titled “Native Brains.” Drawing inspiration from the legendary Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade, the Lagos-based drummer and singer has crafted a musical masterpiece that delves into life, love, and the pressing social issues of our time. With captivating lyrics, funky horn lines, and an irresistible groove, the album is a true reflection of Michael’s passion for creating music that resonates with listeners and leaves a lasting impact on society.
As the founder and bandleader of Native Brains, an exuberant Afrobeat band. Michael Oloyede has cemented his position as a prominent figure in the vibrant Lagos music scene. Through his artistry as a renowned Nigerian drummer, composer, educator, and producer, he has made an indelible mark on the music landscape.
With a heartfelt commitment to addressing the social challenges faced by his country, Nigeria, Michael aims to awaken and inspire the downtrodden minds of his fellow country folk with songs of hope and love. Over the past two decades, he has become one of the most sought-after touring and recording drummers in Lagos, collaborating with an impressive roster of local and international artists and producers.
Among his notable collaborations are performances and recordings with esteemed names such as Lagbaja, Marcus Miller, Pilani Bubu, Nathaniel Bassey, Cobhams Asuquo, Kaline, ASA, Ayetoro, Wole Oni, Enitan Adaba, SOMI, Omar, Hamish Stewart, Temidayo Balogun, Timothy Ogunbiyi, Perpie, Olamide Timothy, Tosin Aribisala, and many more.
Michael’s musical journey has taken him to prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including headline shows at the Alliance Francaise, Lagos, as well as appearances at the Muson Music Festival, Lagos Jazz Series, Lagos International Festival, AACW Blues and Jazz Festival in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Leaf Festival in Black Mountain, NC, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and Festival International de Louisiana in New Orleans, among others.
Beyond his exceptional performance skills, Michael is also a respected educator and author. In 2019, he published the instructional drum book “Afrobeat Drumming: Coordination Exercises and Grooves,” offering a comprehensive system of study for aspiring drummers.
Driven by a passion for empowering the drumming community in Nigeria, Michael founded “Drum Quarters” in 2021, an educational and entertainment channel for drummers. The channel quickly gained traction, amassing over 158,000 views on YouTube within its first year of establishment.
Michael’s dedication to his craft and his country is evident in his educational background, which includes a diploma in Computer Science from Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria, and completion of the MUSON School of Music Performance Diploma program. Additionally, he enriched his musical knowledge by attending the 5-Week Summer Jazz Performance Program at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, USA.
“Native Brains” is a testament to Michael Oloyede’s artistic brilliance and his unwavering commitment to using music as a tool for societal impact and restoration. This album is set to captivate hearts, spark conversations, and uplift spirits, making a lasting impression on listeners far and wide.
