Carrying the authentic, tonal voice of the Yoruba talking drum from historic Oyo Town into the heart of Doncaster, across United Kingdom stages, sacred worship altars, and joyous celebrations.
Ipadeola Sunday Abidemi, celebrated across circles as Ipadeola D Drummer, is a Nigerian-born virtuoso talking drummer whose sonic storytelling breathes vitality, joy, and deep cultural resonance wherever his rhythms land.
Ipadeola hails from Oyo town, an ancient city universally revered as the historic home of Yoruba royalty, culture, and drumming traditions. Growing up immersed in this ancestral environment, drumming was not merely an art form to Sunday—it was a native mother tongue.
In 2012, he officially started his professional journey in drumming at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Lagos. This arose directly from his heartfelt passion for singing and drumming, channeling sacred rhythms into spirit-filled praise.
“Ipadeola is not just playing the talking drum, but entertaining people both old and young. Each time I play the talking drum, I see how people feel relaxed and happy. Sometimes, people don’t want me to go—and that is the extent that they enjoy the drum.”
Beyond his artistic calling, Sunday is an accomplished scholar and professional. He studied Marketing at Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), graduating in 2017, and is also an accredited member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). This unique union of professional marketing acumen, disciplined financial intellect, and authentic cultural mastery shapes his high-level professionalism and stage craft.
Following his relocation to the United Kingdom, Sunday made his home in Doncaster, where he joined RCCG in the UK. Today, he regularly ministers, collaborates with musicians, performs at luxury weddings and cultural galas, and hosts cultural percussion masterclasses for youth and community groups.
In Yoruba tradition, the talking drum is an acoustic linguistic marvel. Squeezing the leather tension strings mimics the tonal highs, lows, and glides of human speech—enabling the drummer to speak poetry, recite ancestral proverbs, praise dignitaries, and warn of danger ahead.
Mother’s Drum
The grand, deep-voiced matriarch of the ensemble. Decorated with small brass bells (saworo), the Ìyá Ìlù commands the conversation, initiates complex proverbs, directs the dancers, and delivers royal praises.
Talking Drum
The iconic hourglass talking drum held under the armpit and struck with the curved Ọpá Gángan stick. By squeezing the leather cords, Sunday modulates its pitch across several octaves to mimic speech with uncanny accuracy.
Accompaniment Drum
A smaller talking drum tuned to a higher, tight pitch that locks the groove. It provides a relentless, infectious rhythmic foundation over which the lead drum speaks and improvises.
Batá Complementary Drum
Part of the ancient conical Batá drum family associated with royal courts and venerated ceremonies. Produces sharp, snappy, and percussive syncopations that inject electrifying intensity.
Classic Clay Frame Drum
Crafted from a baked clay circular ring and stretched goatskin held with cord pegs. Played with a light wooden stick, it evokes classic philosophical contemplation, traditional weddings, and deep Yoruba acoustic folklore.
“A talking drum can praise a king, welcome bride and groom, tell tales of valour, or sound an alarm of impending danger. The drum does not just produce beats—it articulates living words.”
Tap or click the drum pads below to hear authentic synthesized Yoruba tonal pitches (Low, Mid, High & Pitch-Bends) generated in real-time via Web Audio API.
From childhood roots in cultural Oyo town to Lagos polytechnic halls and United Kingdom sanctuaries.
Raised in the heartland of Yoruba civilization, renowned worldwide as the cultural epicenter of talking drumming, royal ceremonies, and folklore traditions. Sunday absorbed rhythmic mastery naturally from ancestral artisans.
Sparked by his burning passion for singing and drumming, Sunday commenced his professional drumming career at The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos. He quickly became renowned for uplifting church congregations and bringing relaxation and joy to audiences.
Graduated with honors in Marketing from Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH). Certified as an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), establishing a reputation for discipline, strategic communication, and high professional standards.
Relocated to the United Kingdom, establishing his artistic residence in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Joined RCCG in the UK where he continues his sacred ministry as resident professional talking drummer while serving the wider UK diaspora.
Entertaining audiences young and old across Great Britain. Captivating wedding receptions, cultural festivals, and directing youth workshops where children discover the historic marvel of African rhythm.
Available for direct bookings across the UK, Europe, and international cultural engagements.
Unforgettable bridal entrances, royal couple processions, traditional family praise chants (Oríkì), and electrifying dance floor energy that keeps guests celebrating all night.
Drawing from over a decade of dedication at RCCG Lagos and RCCG UK, Sunday brings anointed percussion that elevates congregational praise, choir arrangements, and revival meetings.
Dynamic Afrobeats, Highlife, World Music, and traditional theatrical percussion sets that connect instantly with diverse, international concert audiences.
Hands-on interactive workshops teaching the history, linguistics, and mechanics of the talking drum in UK schools, colleges, cultural centers, and community exhibitions.
Witness Sunday Abidemi Ipadeola on stage, inspiring young minds, and sharing cultural excellence across the UK.
Whether you are planning a royal wedding, an anointed church praise program, a festival concert, or an educational workshop, Sunday is ready to collaborate with you.
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