Exclusive Interview with the best contemporary drummer in Ondo City, Bolaji Ibukun.
Gbenga Akinborewa caught up with Bolaji Ibukun popularly called IBK Sticks and he discussed his career as a Drummer, challenges, other business he does apart from playing the drums and what his fans should expect from him. Excerpts below:
Can we meet you?
My name is Bolaji Ibukun. A graduate of Industrial Design from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. I am from Oyo State and the second born among four children. I am a professional drummer.
At what age did you start playing drums and how do you feel about it?
I started playing drums when I was 12 years old. Well, nobody taught me how to play drums. I learnt it from the inside and the passion has been so great that it has not reduced an inch. Thanks to my father, Mr Bolaji George, he has never discouraged me from playing the drums.
Being a professional drummer what are the challenges you face?
As a professional drummer, there are a whole lot of challenges. To start with, trying to meet up with great drummers has not been easy and while I was in school, merging drumming and school activities was demanding. Thank God I succeeded at both angles.
How far has this profession taken you?
Well, some years ago the Tenors Groove Factory performed live at the Divine Agenda Youths Edition and I was part of the team. I have also worked as a team member at the Tenors top ten, a musical competition organized by Tenors Groove Factory. I have worked with artistes like; Tomi Sax, Moscino from Lagos, Jane from Abia State and lots of artists from Ondo City.
What is your most embarrassing moment on stage?
(Laughing) I was on the drums during a convention program and some of the gangan players told me to stand up from the drum throne. I thought it was a joke until they eventually stopped playing. As a professional drummer, I had no problem with that till the person leading praises also told me to allow one of my students’ drummer plays. It was so embarrassing because everyone was focused on me. (Smiles).
Are you in a relationship?
Yes (Smiles)
Waoo. Can you tell us about her?
I will tell you a little about her. Her name is Faith. She sings and also a good Cake Baker.
Apart from playing the drums, what other business do you do?
Yes. I’m also a graphic designer. I draw portraits with my black pen. I design handmade greeting cards.
Hand made greeting cards designed by Bolaji Ibukun
Portrait of Wole Soyinka drawn by Bolaji Ibukun.
Who do you look forward to working with as a drummer if there is an opportunity?
Would love to work with the likes of Marvin Sapp, James Fortune, Tim Godfrey, Jerry Omole, Calvin Rodgers, Tu Face, P Square. Let me stop there.
We saw you at More Than Music concert organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, World Changers’ Sanctuary, Ondo City and your performance that night was fascinating. How do you feel about that?
Yea! Yea! I feel great and joyful. It was a wonderful experience. It’s wonderful seeing you there too. (Smiles)
What message do you have for your fans?
To my great fans, you haven’t seen anything yet. Just hold on. I love you all. I feel like knowing you all personally like P square (Smiles). Once again, I love you. My Instagram handle: @ibukundrumz, Facebook: Bolaji Ibukun , twitter:ibkidddrumz. Thanks so much
