‘I started drumming at seven’

By Hannah Ejiro Ogidiagba
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An Akure based percussionist, Michael Onaolapo Afelumo, popularly known as MykePercussions has said that he has been playing drums since he was seven  years of age saying they would have to pile up chairs for him because, some drums were taller than him.

The artiste who is  a 400 level student at Federal University  of Technology Akure (FUTA) noted that the  love he  has  for drum  made him to received   many awards.

During an interview with Friday Extravaganza  he  stated that,  he sings, dances,  act dramas but, does more of drumming and there is no kind of drums he can not play.

MykePERC who hails from Akure in Ondo state said he enjoys dancing and drumming right from his childhood and whenever he drums he want people to dance to the tune of his drums and  he will be  glad in his  heart.

However, the percussionist established that his inspiration comes from people he meets with, plays with and even sees their performances.

” Listening to people  is what I know best and I get to learn from people that comes my way either old or young because, I dont compete with those I am supposed to learn from.

“I don’t really have a mentor because my own definition of a mentor is someone you can talk to and even put you through but I admire people like Lagbaja, Chris Coleman, Tony royster, Aron Spears, Eric Moore, Femi Isaac, my bosses  Ayandimeji, Ayan Ijoba orun, and Adeline Victor which  all of them are  my role models” .

The percussionist also affirm his parents’ supports over his career.

“One of the reasons my parent supported and allowed me to play instruments is to know places. Except for Ogun state, there is no south west states I have not played  I have also being  to the North-central and South-South to play and I believe I am still going beyond my imagination for sure”

Noted  that he received this year 2019 award of Most talented NASSITE, most talented Scientist, and with that his hope of getting to the peak of his career is built.

He also said further that his challenges so far is that people don’t really see drumming something to be appreciated in the society, it is only few people that knows it’s worth and value.

However, MykePERC urged everyone not only upcoming percussionist but also people like him to be of good behavior.

I’ll tell people me out there to keep up the good work and learn the attitude of humility and good behavior.

There is a saying that your talent can take you to the top but, your only good character will retain you their” Myke urged.