Drummer and percussionist carrying Nigerian rhythm onto UK stages and into UK classrooms.
Adegoke Oluwafemi Samson, known on stage as Femi Laquinta, is a professional drummer and percussionist with more than 15 years in performance and the cultural industry across Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He has shared stages with world-renowned artists at concerts, festivals and cultural events.
He is also a certified historian with an MSc from the University of Hull, and a proud son of Ondo State, Nigeria. That grounding shows in his playing: musical excellence, composition and cultural knowledge worked into one performance.
Away from the kit he builds platforms where young people learn drumming, gain social skills, find confidence through cultural education and, for some, start a career in music.
Two appearances from this year, each part of a wider programme celebrating African heritage in the UK.
Femi played drums and percussion at the official launch of MOBO Fringe Week, hosted by Black Creative Trailblazers. The Mayor of Manchester and a room full of culture lovers watched him and the crew work through the rhythms and patterns of African drumming.
Manchester Evening News: black music historyManchester Evening News: the gala
At the Black Pride Festival 2026, organised by Ajidan Studios with CAST in Doncaster, Femi was both a facilitator and a percussionist. Poetry, dance, storytelling and drumming shared the programme.
In the workshop he taught pupils from schools across Doncaster the rudiments and rhythms of African percussion, then watched a mixed audience light up at the range of tones and styles.
An exclusive-access session where drumming opens the conversation. It sits alongside the school and community workshops Femi leads: hands-on rhythm teaching, storytelling and cultural exchange that helps young people build confidence and social skills.
Schools, youth groups and community organisations can book a workshop shaped to their group.
Ask about workshops
Festivals, concerts, cultural programmes, school sessions and community workshops. Message him on any channel below with your date, venue and what you have in mind.