₦airaland Forum

2) Patience is needed in situations like this. Lol.

1) Lol. It can pain.

5) Lol. E shock you abi.

4) Lol. I know drums is practical but don't forget the theoretical part of drums

3) Sir before I answer I need to call my lawyer. Lol.

2) Lol. Instrumentalist wey sabi.

1) Some drummers can be selfish sha.

4) Lol. Come and work for the Lord.

3) Lol. The things we say to impress the ladies. smh.

2) Lol. I shall not be benched in my church.

1) Lol. it can pain. Singers, please try not to stress the drummer.

Lol. Messi why nah.

Ecclesiastes chapter 3. Drummer's Version (DV)
1)      For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

2)      A time to roll as much as you want, and a time to keep it simple and just play to the music.

3)      A time to blame the pedal for your mistakes on the drums, and a time to take responsibility.

4)      A time to get benched, and a time for you to bench someone.

5)      A time to tune the drums, and a time to leave it just the way it is (no go do pass yourself).

6)      A time to play for free, and a time to play for cash and good connections (don’t ever feel guilty about this).

7)      A time to say yes to every Gig, and a time to say no to some (please, make sure you have enough good paying Gigs before saying no to some, else you are own your own).

      A time to play with broken sticks, and a time to change that stick (it haff tried. Lol).

9)      A time to be patient with singers that goes off beat, and a time to stand up and walk away (don’t let any singer stress your life. Lol).

10)   A time to rehearse alone, and a time to rehearse with the band or friends.

You’ve got to admit that “some” of the rolls or skills you play on the drums wasn’t something you watched or learnt from some other drummer(s). It just happened. The flow was all you. The authenticity of your play/rolls can’t be found anywhere. Coz I have realized that the more you practice, play and grow as a drummer, the more some new grooves and rolls just flows naturally to you. Sometimes d tin dey be like inspiration. Have you ever had that moment when you are on the drums just jamming or freestyling and suddenly you play some groove or rolls you’ve never heard/played before. Na so the thing they be. I’m not really sure about how often drummers get this kind of vibes but with professional keyboardist, I have seen this happen a lot of times.

slawormiir:
Damnnn niggarrrr
Isoright
Barcelona anyday anytime twice on Thursday...
My love for that club knows no bound

Although I have little feelings for liverpool because of Fernando Torres that year...always love that moment when he is raping man u...and forcing vidic

Lol. I feel you. I am also a die hard Barcelona fan but most times I find myself watching liverpool's highlight and checking out their page on Facebook, all because of Sadio mane (my second favourite player in the world after messi). I don't care if liverpool win or lose a match as long as sadio scores, I'm good. I love Barcelona but there's nothing wrong in having a side club, liverpool.

Don’t let that drum key you just bought go to waste. Any church or show you get invited to play, Tune the drums bro. Don’t hesitate. Tune it wella. Tuning shows professionalism. Lol (don’t take my advice). But please if you are gonna tune (any drum that is not yours) make sure you know what you are tuning coz it won’t be funny if after spending 10 – 20 minutes tuning, you end up playing below par. It won’t be funny at all. As you dey tune, make sure say u sabi play too. Don’t go and fall your hand.

All these professional drummers that lie when a pretty girl ask them what they do for a living. Continue o. Make una Well done o. May we not be ashame of the work that pays bills/puts food on our table. You don’t  need to lie nah. Lol. If she doesn’t vibe with you coz you’re a drummer, then she’s actually doing you a big favour. No spending, No fake love. If she stays, even when she doesn’t vibe with you. My Gee, Run. It won’t end well. She’s only after your ..................... Don't devalue yourself because you need a girl for valentine.

Recently I have heard drummers say: Guy give me any kind of drum set, I will play. Whether two or three toms , whether 3 or 5 cymbals, whether double pedal, I will play it now now for you. Bro be calming down. Lol. Yes you might be an expert but something (your style of play) must definitely change when you go for a show and play a different kind of drum (setup) than the one you are used to. Professionals are able to play all kind of drums not because they are skillful but because they are quick to adapt to the new drum set they are playing on. I have seen good drummers do gra gra on drums they are not used to and they end up falling their hand. Forget the whole drum sef, ordinary cymbal can mess you up if you are not careful. If in your church you play drums with one cymbal on the LEFT, when you play drums in another church with one cymbal on the RIGHT. My Gee, wahala go dey. As you play, you silently have to tell yourself before you roll: guy cymbal dey RIGHT, cymbal on the RIGHT not on the LEFT (no be ur church you dey). Thank God for churches with two cymbals.

Me: calling *44-84-16#

Customer care picks.

Customer care: welcome to Drum Network Africa. To continue in English (press 1). Hausa (press 2). Igbo (press 3). Yoruba (press 4)

Me: 1

Customer care: For broken sticks, pedal, Toms and snare (press 1). For Gigs and shows (press 2). For churches in need of drummers (press 3). For daily and monthly practice routines (press 4).

Me: 3

Customer care: For big church with pay (press 1). For big church with no pay (press 2). For small church with pay (press 3). For small church with no pay (press 4). For any church at all (press 5).

Me: 1

Customer care: For Acb ministries lekki (press 1). For Bfg ministries Ajah (press 2). For lnm ministries banana island (press 3). For Gbk ministries omole (press 4). For Gft ministries ifako (press 5).

Me: 3

Customer care: Hold on while I direct your call to the music director of lnm ministries.

Me: *still waiting *:

Music director: Hello!

Me: Hello

Ps: I can’t continue the conversion but I got the Gig sha. Lol.
Only if it was this easy to get Gigs.

Ps: the number and ministries doesn’t exist o. This is just me and my imagination.

1) That moment when you play some badass rolling on the drums and your guys (especially the ones that are not drummers) begin to hail you. You hear things like: Guy you too much. World best. Aaron spears dey learn for where you dey. I want to be like you when I grow up. God when? When will I become good like this guy? God when. Lol. If you hear this a lot, please don’t let it get to your head. They are your guys, they won’t always tell you the truth, even when you play bad.

2) That moment when you mess up by playing an incomplete roll (roll wey no reach the final destination i.e., the cymbals). You know you messed up but instead of taking the blame, you just had to look down on the pedals, shake your head, do your face somehow and continue. By shaking your head and doing your face somehow, in your mind you have sent a message of dissatisfaction with the drum pedal to ever is looking at you at that moment. Works all the time, doesn’t it? Lol. I can’t come and end my career with my own hands, someone or something must take the blame.

3) That moment when the lead singer decides to only sing worship, no praise. Crazy part is that you can’t even play to the worship songs. Imagine the singer singing Ekwueme and other songs with very slow rhythms. It can pain. You thought that was all and then you remember the choir will be ministering an accapela song (your service as a drummer is not needed at the moment). At least you have offering and hymns to play to. LOL. Make e no be like sey drummer no come church.

4) That moment you are told by the new music director (a foreigner) to play through a music sheet. Play what you see on the sheet. No addition, no subtraction, no rolls, just play what you see. And everything must be played on the 16th note. LOL. I know as musicians we should have an idea on how to read music sheet. But na naija we dey. Don’t come and confuse us. Forget music sheet, just give us the snippet of the beat with your mouth and we will take it from there.

5) That moment when you realize that as a drummer, you are not allowed to get tired. 2-3-4-5-6 hours of playing nonstop shouldn’t be a problem (it comes with the job). This is not football, where the tired players get substituted. In football, the player has no choice than to come out, even if he doesn’t want to. Drumming is not like that ooo, especially here in Nigeria. First no substitute and even if there is some else to help out, it is first come, first serve. 5 hours my guy still dey fire. Oya stand up make another drummer help you nah. Lia Lia. Naija drummers no dey tire (even on an empty stomach). The second drummer waiting is in pains (he can’t voice it out, but the thing dey pain my guy). But deep down the second drummer knows that if he by chance gets to play, he would do the same as the first guy, he won’t stand up. Lol. It is what it is. Not all drummers shaa, there are still some good and unselfish drummers (like me) out there.

Unserious Band Mates: Ever jammed with guys that just play the instrument for fun. Lol, these guys can vex somebody shaa. To them it’s just a hobby not a profession. They have never seen playing an instrument as a job (more like a side hustle). These guys come in for rehearsals late and leave early. No vibe. No passion (maybe a little). Their only motivation is money and pretty girls. Mehn these guys play with passion when the ladies are in the room. Its crazy. Lol. When the motivation isn’t there anymore, they’ve got nothing to play. You literally have to beg these guys to show up for rehearsals. Very annoying something. If you are a professional, please jam with professionals.

Singers Going Off: If you want to vex a drummer, look for a singer that goes off, whether Off key, Off beat, Off rhythm. No drummer, I repeat, no drummer ever wants to play for a singer that likes going off. Just because we are professionals doesn’t mean you should take us for granted nah. When you go off, you disrupt the rhythm and flow of melody. And the most annoying part is that most times the audience doesn’t notice the singer going off(especially if he/she has a nice voice), but notices that of the drummer. When you go off, the drummer also has to pause for a second to catch up to the new rhythm. Playing the drums takes energy. We burn calories when we play drums. Lol. Now you want to add stress on top calories wey boys dey burn. We don’t say it to your face but the thing dey vex drummers.

Drum pedal: I practiced with the pedal on Saturday evening. Got to church on Sunday morning. I saw the pedal and the pedal saw me. I went to the sound studio to hang out with the other guys. And as you know with most churches, instrumentalist don’t get to the stage, altar or where ever they set up until it is time for praise/worship. I got to the stage, looking gingered and ready, I sat on the throne (i.e., drum seat), I looked down, no pedal. I smiled (worried smile), I looked down again to be sure I didn’t miss the pedal and place my foot somewhere else. Nothing. Pastor is rounding up the intercessory prayers, No pedal. Pastor is done with intercessory prayers, No pedal. Singers on the altar, No pedal. Guys have you seen the pedal? Every one said no. Are you sure? No. My village people get mind do me this kind thing for church. I was confused, totally confused. Lead singer takes the mic, No Pedal. Lead singer sings, there is the PEDAL. How did the pedal show up? The bass player that thunder will fire and still continue to fire, decided to play an expensive prank on thanksgiving Sunday. This bass player still had the mind to say “surprise, it’s a prank”. Lol. I use anger play drums that day shaa. I am still thinking about my revenge. This bass players carry their instrument around. If you have any idea on how to get this guy back, let me know. This guy can’t go unpunished or I might just forgive the guy and move, since it’s a church matter. Lol.

Life is so unpredictable. One day you are so hyped about a Gig and all of a sudden, the Gig is no more. Life has its own way of doing things. You know that popular quotes that says “Man plans but God laughs” yeah that one. That’s how life works.

So, I will be sharing with you some of the amazing experience I have had with this “Life”. I won’t say life messed things up for me but I can say it really broke my heart. Maybe this amazing thing called LIFE was looking out for me or it felt that the Gig I was so excited about wasn’t the right Gig for me. I don’t know.

Now when there is a potential Gig to be played in a few days. I don’t get too excited, I don’t begin to imagine things, I don’t really hope for anything. I just go on doing the things I have been doing. Coz I know anything can happen in a day, an hour or seconds. Anything can happen. And when something happens, Good or Bad. All I can say is: IT IS WHAT IT IS.

Like I said earlier I would be sharing with you some of the experience I have had with Life and how they have shaped how I see things in general.



So here we go.



1) Cutting down budgets: Hello! is this the drummer on the line. I just called to inform you that we won’t be needing the services of your band. I and my hubby, we are trying to cut down on our budget for the wedding. I think a DJ would do. Please before you hang up, do you happen to know any good DJ that could play in our wedding. If you do just let me know. And I am really sorry about this. Thank you. Bye.

This hurts a lot. Especially if you haven’t had a Gig in weeks. But there is nothing I could do. Nothing.



2) Last Minute: what are you guys doing here? Didn’t you receive my email? The Gig has been cancelled. The club manager had an emergency. We are also kinda working on the stage right now, there was an accident earlier today. The speaker kinda fell on the stage. No one was hurt. So, yeah. Next time guys.

Email! Seriously! What fucking happened to WhatsApp, iMessage, telegram etc.? Lol. And what’s up with all the lame excuses. This is what happens when you get too excited about Gig.


3) Favorites: waking up to a text message from the saxophonist: Hey. I know I should have called but there has been a change. My cousin is in town and he is a drummer. I know it’s happening so fast but there’s nothing I could do. My dad insisted on letting him play, so we could get to know each other more. I’m sorry man. Maybe next time.

Bleep my life. Yeah, I know shit happens but why now. Why did his cousin have to show up when I needed the Gig (cash too) the most? Why.



4) Car Problem: Monday to Friday, the car worked well. Saturday morning, it worked well. Saturday evening, an hour before we move to the location, car doesn’t come on. What seems to be the problem? No one knows. It’s the bass player car, he should know what is wrong. He doesn’t. Fine. Instead of waiting and complaining, we ordered an uber. We got to the location late. We played. We were paid. But deep down in our heart, we knew we weren’t getting any call back.

Sad story. Shit happens. We move on.



5) Life Used Her: On the phone with the keyboardist: Hello! bro I don’t think I can make it today. My girlfriend just had an accident. It’s really bad. She has no one. I need to go take care of her, I’m all she got. I am so sorry. Let the others know. I’m so sorry.

40 minutes later: Hello! Bro. it was a false alarm. She wasn’t in any accident. She was so Hot, she decided to get to me to her place by all means possible. Are you guys at the venue? Were you able to find another drummer? Can I still make it? Hello! Hello! Can you hear me? FUUUUUUUUCK.

I know you think its my fault but it wasn’t. I was only trying to helpful and caring. I got played. It is what it is.



So, there you have it. This are just some of the experience I have had with “Life”. Maybe I should do a part two of life messing up my Gigs. Coz this is just a little to the many Life has done to me as a drummer.

I am pretty sure we all had experiences like this. If you have. I would love to know.

#Life

#Drummer

#it-is-what-it-is

#Peace

During the lockdown and out of boredom I took it upon myself to learn a skill. so I went for python, Excel and Excel VBA. Right now I am kinda wondering what kind of work (side hustle) this skill can get me here in Nigeria. I am a professional drummer looking to explore other professional areas.

During the lockdown and out of boredom I took it upon myself to learn a skill. so I went for python, Excel and Excel VBA. Right now I am kinda wondering what kind of work (side hustle) this skill can get me here in Nigeria. I am a professional drummer looking to explore other professional areas.

No particular reason to be honest. Just didn't feel like stepping out today. I am a drummer and most of my Gigs have been secular stuff lately. I really need to look for a church to play coz that's the only thing that gingered me to going to church every Sunday back then.

Drummers Hack (III):

How to know you have made it as a drummer:

*20/80 Principle: in a month you play 20% of the time but earn 80% of the money. E mean sey as boss wey u be, u only play on Sunday services, concerts and other big church programs while you leave the weekday services for dem boys.

*Followers: you have made it if dem young boys and girls rush to you after Sunday service asking and begging you to teach them how to play, after seeing the miracles and wonders you performed on the drums during praise/worship. If dem never reach your side…….. bro, there’s more work to be done.

*The Gig Virus: only you. Lagos, 15 shows. Abuja, 12 shows. Akwa – ibom, 8 shows. Ibadan, 6 shows. Port-Harcourt, 4 shows. Total number of shows in a month = 45 shows. High paying Gigs go just dey spread for your life anyhow. If you are like this, mbok make sure the Gigs spread reach dem boys side.

*Comparison: if you come this group and and dem boys never compare you with another big drummer, calm down. It doesn’t mean you haven’t made it o. E just mean sey you never too popular like that.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Take not my advice.

Peace.

Drummers Hack (II):

How ROLLING can change your life as a drummer:

*Senior boys: when in a concert and you notice the big drummers watching you, don't keep it simple. Just roll. Don't just roll, make sure dem rolls are fast and sweet. Forget the band, forget the music you rehearsed, just roll. You don’t know the roll that will blow you to the next level.

*Girls: when you notice a girl smile at you, it means she likes you and how do you tell a girl you like her too without saying a word...... RoLL. Baba, anyhow the rolling one be, just roll.

*Time: that is for the professionals, for rollers like you and i, we don’t work with time. We roll all the time. Worship, you roll. Praise, you roll. Tithe and offering, you roll. Choir ministration, you roll. Just ROLL

I hope with these few ''rolling'' points of mine i have been able to convince and not to confuse you that rolling without having the need to (show off) can cause you more harm than good.

Peace.

It wasn't easy for me but I was lucky. I lived with 5 other neighbours (all girls). When they cook a new delicacy, I was always on their mind. Those girls help my life sha.

Drummers hack:

How to look like a professional drummer even if you are not one.

*Dress well: your suit must be well fitted.

*Tune before you play: make dem know sey you sabi wetin you dey do.

*Keep it simple: no go do pass your self. this is not the time to play like tony royster jr. There is time for every thing.

*Mistakes: when you make a mistake do not blame yourself. just look at the drum pedal and shake your head. Let the pedal take the blame.

*Move out: the moment you are done playing, leave (make sure dem pay you sha). Professionals don't stay one place, they have other gigs waiting for them. If you don't have another Gig, go home and sleep.

Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and girls. If you love yourself and you know deep down in your heart you really wanna be a professional even though you play like a beginner.

Do not. I repeat do not take my advice.

peace.

No Gigs. So i felt the need to share with you guys my ''exciting'' life as a drummer.


1. I am starting to enjoy practicing with no drums in sight. Just playing the air and pretending it's a real drum kit. It kinda helps tho. Practicing this way, especially if you've not played in a while, can make you feel like you are playing the real thing and when you finally get to play the real thing, you don't feel like a stranger on the drum kit.


2. I am a good drummer with no real offline connection with other musical instrumentalist. No strong online presence as a drummer. No Gigs or an idea on how to get one for myself. I am just working (a job i really don't like), practicing, creating new content and hoping i get a miraculous call from a stranger, an old band mate or someone somewhere who might have come across some videos of mine (not really a typical drum video), likes what he/she sees and hook me up with a real Gig. I guess things like this don't really happen anymore. The downside of being an introvert in a extroverted industry.


3. Since i don't have the resources to execute this idea, can someone create an hook up app or site for drummers and other musical instrumentalist. i mean, there are lot of drummers in need of music band and bands in need of drummers. An app for easy connections with the people in need your services (nearby and faraway) won't really be a bad idea. instead of relying on word of mouth and praying/hoping for a miracle Gig.



4. I am drummer. i say this with no shame. Being a drummer ain't among the popular career choices in Nigeria. Most girls think drummers are broke. I see drummers lie about what they do just to get laid. Lol not me. I stay calm not giving a damn what she thinks. I flirt and i make her laugh. If she ain't feeling the vibe, i waste no further seconds on her. If she is, then i think about taking it to the next level. I'm not gonna lie. Girls do find good looking drummers like myself attractive. LOL.


5. Growing up i always thought i was gonna play with the same guys i played with as a teenager forever. Go on shows together. Make an album. Make good money from shows.......... That thought never became a reality. Those guys are all doing their thing. You can't blame me tho. I was just a kid with no idea on how the music industry works.


6. A struggling drummer with few Gigs knows lots of drummers with no Gig and is also not willing to share the few he has (maybe some not all). But a made drummer with lots of Gigs knows just few and is also willing to share. Now the question is, how do i get close to the ''made'' drummers? how do i get to connect with these guys? how do i get into their circle?. Lots of questions on my mind. Damn I really need to go out more. I can't keep blaming my lack of Gigs on my personality as an introvert. That shit is getting stale, even for me. Lol.


7. Singers. Saxophonist. These are the only guys i need as friends right now. A friendly drummer always get to tag along when this guys are loaded with high paying Gigs.


8. Enjoy what you've got. Enjoy the moment. Be grateful for the big and little things. Be grateful for being able to go for Gigs with just your drumstick bag. Because when you are big and you start going on tour with you favorite music artiste, you are gonna carry BIG sh*t. I mean big hard wares and soft wares. Very BIG Things. Are you ready for that?...... I am. Don't let what i wrote scare you. No one wants to remain small forever. We all want big things.


9. This is to all the instrumentalist who are not drummers. Keyboardist, bassist, saxophonist etc. etc. When a drummer you haven't had the time to rehearse with gets to join you and the band for a one time Gig due to issues like injury, sickness or anything that keeps the main drummer from showing up, please can you just keep things as simple as possible when you play. You don't expect me to do the things you rehearsed with the other drummer. Do you?.... i wanna flow with you but i can't do that if you keep playing and forgetting there is a newbie in the band. Don't make me look like an amateur. Be warned.


10. I play drums. I Netflix. I travel the world. I eat good food. I make good money...... This is just me being optimistic.


#Peace