gabriel adedeji
Composer, Pianist and Percussionist
Gabriel Adédèjì is a well-known Nigerian composer, pianist, and percussionist who is changing West African classical music. He draws inspiration from Yorùbá folklore, and his music showcases his cultural heritage.
Gabriel started with drumming, especially the talking drum, before finding his love for the piano at church. This led to formal training: two years of classical piano at the MUSON School of Music and two years of jazz piano at the SPAN Music Academy in Nigeria. Now living in London, he continues to study music composition and performs as a pianist and percussionist.
As a freelance musician and composer, Gabriel works with various organisations, including Wigmore Hall, Citizens of the World Choir, and Akojopo Music Foundation. He is also the Composer in Residence for Chamber Music Nigeria. His music has been played by top Nigerian ensembles like the Muson Orchestra, Vesta Orchestra, Dulcis Orchestra, and ACE Orchestra.
Some of his famous works are Ajo, Atoto Arere, Ṣọbọ, Erujeje, Tujuka, Ọpẹ, Lau Erebe, and Iya Alakara, each showing his mix of tradition and new ideas. His music is also recognised internationally, with performances at places like Trinity Laban and the University of Notre Dame, highlighting its universal appeal.
Gabriel started with drumming, especially the talking drum, before finding his love for the piano at church. This led to formal training: two years of classical piano at the MUSON School of Music and two years of jazz piano at the SPAN Music Academy in Nigeria. Now living in London, he continues to study music composition and performs as a pianist and percussionist.
As a freelance musician and composer, Gabriel works with various organisations, including Wigmore Hall, Citizens of the World Choir, and Akojopo Music Foundation. He is also the Composer in Residence for Chamber Music Nigeria. His music has been played by top Nigerian ensembles like the Muson Orchestra, Vesta Orchestra, Dulcis Orchestra, and ACE Orchestra.
Some of his famous works are Ajo, Atoto Arere, Ṣọbọ, Erujeje, Tujuka, Ọpẹ, Lau Erebe, and Iya Alakara, each showing his mix of tradition and new ideas. His music is also recognised internationally, with performances at places like Trinity Laban and the University of Notre Dame, highlighting its universal appeal.