Gasper Lawal (born 23 September 1948 in Ijebu Ode, Nigeria)[1] is a Nigerian drummer, griot, and composer who has publicized traditional African percussive languages in the West.
[3] Described by music magazine Blues & Soul in 1989 as the "Nigerian octopus of sticks 'n' drums and anything percussive", he has worked extensively as a session player and arranger.
[4] Credits include work with The Rolling Stones, Stevie Winwood, John Martyn, Robert Palmer, Joe Cocker, Camel, Stephen Stills, Elkie Brooks, Babe Ruth (band), The Pogues, Joan Armatrading, Eddy Grant, Hugh Masekela, Barbra Streisand, Elvin Jones, Clancy, Ginger Baker's Air Force, Funkadelic and Dr.
[5][6] In 1980, Lawal formed a group called the Oro Band, which nurtured musicians such as Adesose Wallace, and Sola Akingbola (percussionist for Jamiroquai) who would go on to have their own successful careers.
[8] Television and radio appearances have included Top of the Pops, MTV's Week in Rock, Kaleidoscope, Network Africa, The Old Grey Whistle Test, and David Attenborough's Wildlife on One special The Leopard (BBC1, 1995).