Drums are usually the foundation of a song, but for Nigerian drummer and producer Olive Emwanta Umodiagbon, known professionally as Sparkamani, they are the main attraction. His two-track project, Midnight , places percussion at the centre of the music, moving from the instrumental arrangements of “Drumma” to the house-influenced sound of “Ghost.”
“ Drumma ” wastes little time getting into its rhythm. The drums lead the arrangement, supported by a bassline that holds the groove together as different percussion patterns come into play. There's a lot of movement in the drumming, but the introduction of the xylophone gives the song an entirely different feel. Its lighter notes cut through the percussion, adding a playful melody to the heavier rhythm underneath.
The piano also finds its place in the arrangement, although it doesn't demand as much attention as the drums and xylophone. What could easily have been a lengthy display of drumming skills becomes something more enjoyable because of how the instruments work together. The bass keeps everything grounded, while the xylophone gives the listener a melody to follow. It's a good example of how percussion can lead a song without overwh...