Follow Us on Google
By Tony Okuyeme
Accomplished, articulate, dexterous, impeccable, polyrhythmic, rudimental, and technical. These are some of the words that easily come to mind to describe celebrated Nigerian drummer, sound engineer, music director, band leader and music scholar, Peter Sunday David.
In the ever-evolving world of contemporary music, few individuals manage to truly transcend their roles as just artists to become virtuoso performers and leading lights. One such remarkable figure is celebrated Nigerian drummer, sound engineer, music director, band leader, and music scholar, Peter Sunday David, who consistently demonstrates exceptional skill and commitment across several genres of musical expression.
With over 2,000 professional live events to his credit, including an array of orchestral productions, his artistic journey is rich, fascinating and inspiring. The list includes working with a Nigerian singer, Aituaje Aina Vivian Ebele Iruobe, known professionally as Waje; Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer, Augustine Miles Kelechi Okechukwu, popularly known as Tekno; highly influential Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter, Olamide Gbenga Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide or Badoo; as well as Kent Edunjobi on different sound tracks for KAP Tv., and several other notable artistes.
This multifaceted musician has not only honed his skills in live performance but has also made his mark in the studio, featuring on numerous music albums where his drumming prowess continues to shine brightly. He has also performed on different stages and countries, did a lot of master classes on music and sound engineering. David serves as the band leader and the Drummer for over five years, performing within and outside the country, with a special performance in South Africa on an African Day in 2016. As a professional musician, he has featured on different kinds of music albums where he recorded the drums.
His collaborations span various genres, providing him opportunity to demonstrate his exceptional versatility while contributing his unique sound to each project. Naturally, his work has garnered well-deserved nominations for multiple awards in Nigeria, further solidifying his status as one of the leading figure in the music industry, especially as a drummer, sound engineer, music director, band leader, and music scholar.
Highly trained and proficient, David possesses strong, advanced drumming skills. He plays with a natural, infectious rhythm, with clearly defined, and purposeful technique, showcasing his knowledge and total control of his craft. A significant feature of his artistry and musicality is that he is capable of playing in many different genres and styles.
Among his many notable contributions, one performance stands out, echoing with a nostalgic note, as a striking testament to his technical skill and artistic vision: the breathtaking virtuoso performance during the live studio session of the mind-blowing and inspiring song, “Okan Mi”, with award-winning Nigeria singer, songwriter, and music producer, Kent Edunjobi, and his crew. David’s sonic ability clearly shines through in “Okan Mi”, playing the drums with characteristic finesse and breathtaking dexterity.
Deeply knowledgeable of fundamental stick patterns, quick, skillful, and capable of complex, rapid movements, David’s performances underscore his ability to play complex, conflicting rhythms simultaneously. Added to this, he maintains a solid, reliable tempo throughout a set.
In this performance, David showcases an exhilarating blend of rhythm, skill, and passion. His ability to navigate complex time signatures with apparent ease creates an exhilarating experience for both the audience and fellow musicians, providing an awe-inspiring and memorable experience for the audience.
It is therefore not surprising that he easily captivates the audience through rhythm – his musicality and artistry. He is intuitive – understands the song’s structure and plays to serve the music, as well as with advanced, refined, or complex understanding.
As a band leader, David exemplifies what it means to lead with both authority and humility. His capacity to inspire and nurture talent within his band members reflects not only his expertise but also his profound understanding of the collaborative spirit that fuels music.
Born in 1986, David started his music career in 2010, when he gained admission into MUSON Diploma school of Music, Onikan, Lagos, on a full scholarship from MTN Communication. There, he studied music, jazz drums and percussion and graduated in 2012 as the best jazz drummer with an award. This was after he studied Banking and Finance at The Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria, where he graduated with ordinary national diploma (OND), in 2007.
In 2016, he gained admission into the University of Lagos, faculty of arts, where he studied Music and Drums, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in music, and won an award as the best instrumentalist of the year in 2019.
David started his working experience at Intercontinental Bank of Nigeria where he worked as a cashier from 2017-2010.
From there he followed his passion – music. In 2012, he started working in a musical studio, Alexandra Communication, Ikeja, Lagos. A devoted and passionate musician and sound engineer, he managed the studio environment and dive into live sounds and theatre productions.
His passionate and dedication to his craft earned him an audition at the MUSON Symphony Orchestra, directed by a German maestro, Thomas kanitz. This marked the beginning of his classical music journey. He was picked and started working with the MUSON Symphony Orchestra, performing all over Nigeria and working with other artists and musicians.
David has also featured on different orchestra performances with Dr. Kunle Pinmiloye (Kay’s sticks) and the Daystar Christian center, Lagos, Nigeria.
