Getting To Know: Papylulu

By Nina Goodman / March 15, 2021

When I ask musicians in the DMV music scene who they would love to collaborate with, the name Papylulu comes up all the time in the drummer category. It's clear why: Papylulu is a drummer extraordinaire. Not only is he technically deft, like jaw-droppingly good, he also exudes such a pure love when he plays. Love of the music, love of his instrument, love of people, love of being. You can't help but smile when you're in his presence.

I had the chance to connect with Papylulu before his recent Blues Alley livestream with The Dave Kline Band featuring Senator Tim Kaine on harmonica and vocals. Our conversation was wonderful but a touch bittersweet: bitter that we couldn't connect in person, bitter imagining the legendary Blues Alley no longer being tucked away in historic Georgetown. And sweet that it was lovely Papylulu, about to perform with incredible musicians, calling me in that special space between sound check and performance.

It was a treat to learn more about the artist behind the beat, and behind his enormous smile. We talked about his growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, about where he finds inspiration, his newest single "Tales of Papylulu," and what he has coming up on his bright horizon.

Papylulu, it is such a pleasure to connect with you. Even over the phone I feel your smile. First question: I've always wanted to know more about your musical background. When did you start playing?

Thank you so much, it's always good to connect even though we can't in person. I appreciate very much talking to you now!

Music was very fascinating to me as a kid. All I ever thought or dreamt about as a little child was music. Before I had access to music instruments, I made use of my mothers cooking utensils, pens, rulers and whatever I could create a rhythm with. I grew up in a Christian home and as I got older, the church gave me opportunities to explore my in-built talent and passion for music, for which I am grateful.

So early on, was it mostly percussion you were playing? Do you play any other instruments?

Anything drums or percussion was the most fascinating thing to me as a child. Even though I liked music, I was more interested in drum aspect of music. I also play bass guitar, keyboard, and most hand percussion instruments.

Photo by Block Magic

Tell me about your most recent solo music release, "Tales of Papylulu." I see that you wrote, arranged, produced, and of course played drums on this track.

"Tales of Papylulu" is a song I composed, arranged, and produced to showcase who the man behind the drums is. My music cuts across every region, every continent, doesn't matter where your from. It's multi-dimensional and relates to humanity as a whole regardless of how one may be labeled.

The song is filled with so much joy. So tell me, who IS the man behind the drums?

The lyrics are talking about an African drummer that has a lot of presence and brings positive energy to the world. This song is about sharing what I do and who I am, it is sharing my personal life.

But it's not only about my happiness, it's about the happiness that we are all capable of. I feel like the sound of my drums is the kind of sound that can put a crying baby to sleep. When a baby listens to Papylulu music, it stops them from crying and makes them happy. The song is reminding everyone about my positive vibe, it is my own radiant excitement, about bring happiness to a community, and brings a smile to people's faces.

Photo by Good Foot Media

There are a lot of collaborators on this track that you composed, produced, and arranged. Who else played on it?

There are so many talented artists who contributed to this song. We had Issac Denzel Manford on keys/synth, Yologaza Jonas on bass guitar, Adedeji Adetayo on lead guitar, Segun Atoyebi on sax and background vocals, Taiwo Adeagbo (Tperc) on talking drum/percussions, Adekunbi kosoko and Alaba Babatunde on vocal chants, Mary Oshin on background vocals, Vincent Othieno (of Bass Cleff Music) recorded, mixed, and mastered, Bruno (Block Magic) was the videographer, and Raki Bangura, Leandra Ngameduru, and Glory Nchotaku were the dancers/models.

Is this your first solo track? What other music projects have you been working on, either solo or with others?

I released my first single in 2016 called "Business into Pleasure." And I always have a lot of projects going on at once. I have an endorsement with SoulTone Cymbals, and have worked on various music projects with artists across the globe, too many to list here! I am also very passionate about music production.

Tell me more about that. What do you like most about producing music?
Production helps me approach music In a more broad way, its super adventurous and brings out that creative side of me aside been a drummer. it’s give me the ability to focus on music from the listener perspective.

What are some songs you have produced?

Again, so many to name! To name a few, I produced a powerful song called "No Shaking" by Grace Forlu, a beautiful, harmonic song called "Agbanilagbatan" by El’ Grace, an uplifting song called, "You Never Fail" by award winning Gospel singer Anu Osilesi, a rousing spiritual called "Savior and King" by Minister Tutu, and the another high-spirited song called "Working Out" by Sir Judah.

Who have been the greatest influences on your music?

Late Ben Oyoyo was the first person that inspired me. He was a friend of my uncle in Nigeria. I met him when I was about 10 years old and he started to gave me music lessons. The message he told me from day one was "anything you want to try, you can do."

He was a multi-instrumentalist which inspired me to be the same and try different instruments. He was the first person to give me a chance, he took me on his wings and gave me the confidence, helped me with stage fright, introduced me to my first paying gig, and to my first international band I traveled with.

When I moved here about nine years ago, we lost contact for a while. A year before he died I had a reflection, I looked him up and told him how much I appreciated him. I'm so glad I was able to reconnect with him and show him love before he passed away last year.

Then there's my first drum teacher Michael Oloyede. I met him when I was so young and hungry for knowledge. My uncle connected me to Michael, and he literally poured his knowledge into me. He didn't just teach me drums, he accepted me as a younger brother, taught me about life, as well as technique and theory. The platform for music in Africa is not as encouraging as it is here, you have to go for it, so I feel so fortunate to have Michael in my life.

Then a few other artists who really inspire me I should mention like PJ Morton, Cory Henry, Thomas Pridgen, Chris Dave, and Robert "Sput" Searight. I'm sure there are more!

Photo by Block Magic

So here's a thing you may not know. Whenever I talk to drummers in the DMV scene I ask who they admire and your name always comes up.

Wow, that is so nice to hear. I am humbled!

Who are some people who you admire in the DMV music scene?

There are so many! Top of mind: I admire great musicians like Tim Steele, Chooky Caldwell, Garrett Gleason, Tobby Drillz and the Music Company, Tosin Aribisala, Jason Hayes, Biscuit Bynum, Dave Kline, Sunny Trippel, Lynn Veronneau, and Ken Avis.

That is a great list, I know most of those names but not all and will most definitely check them out! What do you like most about the DC music scene?

I love the creativity, the expertise, the love and the vibe. Coming from a whole different background entirely, the scene here has embraced me with love and appreciated and respected my talent.

Tell me about how the pandemic has affected your music and your life.

Due to the pandemic, all shows, tours and events were cancelled. This was devastating at first however, this has brought out another creative side of me. I have been learning how to adapt and, maximize my music potential to still touch lives with my music in a safe way.

Photo by Good Foot Media

How do you think the DC music scene will change once things get back to a “new normal”?

A lot of musicians have approached music differently since the pandemic, most events became virtual. This can bring a new way of organizing concerts and events.

So last question: what's next on the horizon for you?

Right now I'm completing my first EP that will include "Tales of Papylulu" and "Business Into Pleasure" on it. I am in the process of recording about 5-6 more tracks. And when things open back up again, you know I'll be out playing more shows.

Well, I'm super excited to hear this EP. I love the two songs I already know on it and have no doubt the others will continue to lift my spirits in the way that you do.

Thanks so much for taking the time to connect with me, and I can't wait to see you play out again!

Thank you so much, it has been good to connect and I too can't wait to see all the DC music scene out again when the time is right.