As a fast rising young celebrity, Michael Ayanlere Ayanbiyi is showing a high level of dedication and passion towards his dream. The 11-year-old talking drummer has his father, a professional talking drummer as role model and principal motivator. The young talented drummer had a brief chat with PMParrot’s OLUDOTUN AJIBOLA during his rehearsal session in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He talked about his plans and aspirations. Excerpts:
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Michael Ayanlere Ayanbiyi and I am 11 years old
What do you do?
I am a drummer, I play almost every percussion instrument, I can play drum set, gangan (Talking Drum) Iya-Ilu, Dundun, Sakara, Bata and any other instrument that has to do with percussion.
Which instrument will you say your focus is on?
Let me say talking drum, I focus more on this; people always enjoy me playing all the time. On many occasions, I lead percussion as a talking drummer, while some of my elders will back me up whenever I am at functions to entertain my fans.
Your educational background?
I am currently in my junior secondary school level. I am in JSS 2 at Empro Gold College, Ososami, Ibadan Oyo State.
As a kid celebrity, how do you combine your studies and talent together?
My parents are always there for me, I have my timetable for both. My mummy is in charge of my school activities, she always picks me up from school lesson, while my daddy is in charge of my rehearsal and performance schedule.
When did you start drumming?
I started at age 3, my father told me I used to cry whenever he was rehearsing and I would not stop until they allowed me to drum, so he decided to get a drum of my size.
Tell us about your background?
I was born into Ayanbiyi family from Igboho, Oke Ogun, Oyo-State, I was born into Ayan family, every member of my family including my elder sister, Ifeoluwa is a drummer. My father Segun Ayanbiyi is a professional drummer and drum maker, same thing with my grandfather.
Would you say your family background forced you to become a drummer?
I have had a passion for it since I was a baby and apart from giving me the chance to praise God all the time, it is a gift and passion mixed together. Another thing is the love I have for my father, you know if you love someone you will love what the person is doing.
When would you describe as your happiest day?
I have numerous days of happiness as a drummer, let me say the day I met Dr Yinka Ayefele, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma) Saheed Osupa and Muyiwa Ademola because I only see them on the television. I didn’t know I could see them one on one quickly, so those days were my happiest days. Another day is the day BBC came to interview me, I was very happy.
What challenges do you face as a drummer?
Some of my colleagues do make jest of me by calling me local boy, because I play talking drum, they said I chose to be a talking drummer because I am a local boy.
Have you seen any of your mates coming to you for training?
Some of them have been coming and I have taught some of them how to play talking drum, omele and now they have began to enjoy it too.
Future plans?
I am planning to record an album which is going to be drums and full percussion
When should we be expecting that?
Very soon, my daddy said I should pray for him to raise the funds for studio in time and I am seriously praying for him to get the money in time.
I am praying to become a super star in future. I also pray my dream should take me across the globe and I also want to be a philanthropist, so I can help the needy.
