Gasper Lawal

Biography

Gaspar Lawal, born on 23 September 1948 in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria (with some sources noting Kano), began his musical journey immersed in the vibrant melodies and rich cultural heritage of his homeland as a child. A master drummer, griot, and composer, he moved to the UK in the mid-1960s, where his exceptional percussion skills quickly led to performances and recordings with renowned artists including Ginger Baker’s Airforce, Stephen Stills, the Rolling Stones, Funkadelic, and Barbra Streisand. After a brief stint with the London rock band Clancy and a short return to Nigeria, Lawal formed his own group Afriki Sound, blending West African roots with experimental rock and jazz to promote musical cross-pollination.

Lawal's band released two albums on his own Cap imprint, with the 1980 solo effort Ajomase (Yoruba for 'we all have to do it together') showcasing his innovative style through tracks like the dancefloor hybrid 'Kita Kita' and the atmospheric 'Oromoro,' evoking influences akin to dubby Afrobeat, highlife, and even Brian Eno's experimental sounds. Subsequent releases included Abisunni in 1985 and Kadara in 1990, reflecting a percussive workout rooted in tradition. By the mid-1980s, he co-founded Britain’s Black Music Association to advocate for greater exposure and better conditions for Black musicians, cementing his role in fusing Afrobeat with global genres.

Though Lawal's trail fades after the 1990s, his legacy endures as a pioneer of Afrobeat with a twist, influencing the perception of African percussion in Western music through his hybrid philosophy and contributions to the afropop, highlife, and afrobeat scenes.

Fun Facts

• Lawal's track 'Kita Kita' from Ajomase was reportedly a favorite at London's Wag Club in 1983, blending world music with dubby cosmic vocals and highlife guitar.
• The title Ajomase translates from Yoruba as 'we all have to do it together,' reflecting his philosophy of musical cross-pollination.
• He links rock icons like the Rolling Stones, Ginger Baker, and Funkadelic, alongside Vivian Stanshall, through his percussion work.
• Lawal was described in an MTV interview as one of Africa's most exciting musicians and a master drummer/composer.

Associated Acts

• Clancy

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Ginger Baker’s Airforce - shared stage and recordings as percussionist (live performances and sessions) [late 1960s-early 1970s]
• Rolling Stones - shared stage and sometimes recording studio (various performances) [mid-1960s onward]
• Funkadelic - shared stage and sometimes recording studio (various performances) [mid-1960s onward]
• Stephen Stills - shared stage and sometimes recording studio (various performances) [mid-1960s onward]
• Barbra Streisand - shared stage and sometimes recording studio (various performances) [mid-1960s onward]
• Clancy - played with London-based rockers (band performances) [early 1970s]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz