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By Rita Okoye
In a world full of percussionists only a few possess the ability to command an audience without uttering a single word, yet Lanre Ojetunde, popularly known as Sugar Larry, achieved precisely that during the Celestial Worldwide Annual Festival (Imeko Jumbo Concert) held on December 24, 2021. It’s one thing to know how to play but it’s another when you are passionate about it aligning perfectly with the vocalist. Performing before an audience of more than 10,000 worshippers and music enthusiasts, the celebrated lead talking drummer delivered a performance that confirmed his reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost contemporary African percussionists.
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Anchoring the ministration of Ambassador Segun Nabi, Sugar Larry assumed a role that extended far beyond traditional support. As the lead talking drummer and music director, he became the heartbeat of the performance, coordinating the musical flow with remarkable precision and artistic confidence. His mastery of the talking drum transformed rhythm into a language of its own, creating an atmosphere where every beat carried emotion, purpose and spiritual intensity as his input complemented the overall experience.
What distinguishes Sugar Larry’s performance was not simply technical dexterity but his remarkable ability to lead the rhythm section through original compositions and carefully crafted improvisations. Rather than relying solely on conventional patterns, he introduced self-composed rhythmic sequences that added freshness and individuality to the performance. His complex talking drum conversations dictated the band’s tempo, guided dynamic transitions and provided the foundation upon which every other musical element was built and aligned for a goal of success.
Throughout the concert, the audience responded to the general flow of the ministrations but his input was enthusiastic as his commanding beats echoed across the venue. This interaction portrayed one of the defining qualities of exceptional percussionists which is the ability to establish an immediate connection with listeners through rhythm alone. His performance was beyond technical display showcasing a shared musical experience between performer and audience.
As musical director of the rhythm section, Sugar Larry demonstrated an exceptional understanding of timing, balance and ensemble coordination. Every improvisation was deliberate, every transition purposeful, and every rhythmic variation enhanced the overall performance rather than overshadowing it. Such control reflects not only years of disciplined practice but also a profound appreciation of the cultural and linguistic heritage embedded within the Yoruba talking drum tradition.
Beyond the spectacle of the performance, Sugar Larry’s appearance at the Imeko Jumbo Concert highlighted the evolving role of African percussion in contemporary live music and how its role can’t be overlooked. By blending traditional talking drum techniques with innovative rhythmic arrangements, he continues to redefine the possibilities of indigenous percussion while preserving its cultural authenticity. His artistry serves as a defined reminder that the talking drum remains not merely an accompanying instrument but a powerful medium of communication, leadership and creative expression capable of captivating audiences on the largest of stages.
