By Emmanuel Daraloye

For more than two decades, Samuel Aloghemen, popularly known as Sammy Drumz, has been behind the kit, serving as the rhythmic backbone for choirs, studios, and artists across Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Now, with the release of his new project, Sammy and Friends Freestyle, he has stepped into the spotlight to showcase his own vision.

The project is not about radio polish or commercial gloss; instead, it captures the unfiltered spirit of live performance. Across its sessions, Sammy brings his signature blend of African traditional grooves and modern pop drumming, creating a sound that feels both familiar and adventurous. 

On 6/8 Again, his sticks dance between tight rhythmic discipline and playful improvisation, reminding listeners that mastery is not about repetition but reinvention. Freestyle Hip-Hop, on the other hand, is a raw dialogue between drums, guitar, and keys. Here, Sammy shows his adaptability, letting the drums converse rather than dominate.

What sets this project apart is its honesty. There are no studio tricks hiding behind the music — every beat breathes, every roll feels intentional. It is a bold move in an era where many recordings are built on heavy production. Sammy instead trusts the strength of collaboration, inviting instrumentalists in the UK to join him in creating something immediate and alive.

While Sammy and Friends Freestyle may not fit neatly into mainstream gospel or pop categories, it succeeds in its mission: pushing the boundaries of drumming as both an art and a cultural statement. For long-time followers of Sammy Drumz, this tracks affirms his place as more than an accompanist; he is an innovator with something urgent to say through rhythm.