Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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LAWAL, Gaspar

(b Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria) Drummer and percussionist, singer/composer. Came to UK early '70s; made international reputation as session musician, working with Ginger Baker's Air Force, Stephen Stills, Rolling Stones, Funkadelic, Barbara Streisand, countryman Sonny Okosun, etc. Joined quintet Clancy for LPs Seriously Speaking and Everyday on WB '75. Returned to Nigeria '77; back in UK to record first solo LP Ajomase '80 on Cap; formed own outfit African Oro Band (single "Kita Kita' '81). Second LP Abiosunni '85 yielded theme music for a BBC World Service programme, followed by CD Kadara '89 on Globestyle. In the mid-'90s he was writing music for TV and films from a base in London.