Rodgers D'Drummer

Rodrigue Irankunda, popularly known as Rodgers D’Drummer is a self-taught Burundian drummer, percussionist, composer and teacher of Music based in Nairobi, Kenya. Not only does he play the drums and percussion but also acoustic/rhythm guitar, bass guitar and keyboard. Born in a family of blacksmith parents and absolutely no musician in his lineage, he is the first in his line to fall in love with music and fully pursue this as a career. Asked about how and when he started playing all these instruments, he is not scared to point out that the difficulties in his childhood led to him seeking solace in the streets, becoming a street urchin for 5 solid years citing that he would collect plates, pots, twigs and mugs that produced different sounds and provide pro bono entertainment for his street family and passers-by. It is at this time that Minevam Church in Burundi took him in, in a mission to educate, accommodate and rehabilitate not only him but also his entire street family. It is here where took a keen interest in music, singing in the church choir and learning instruments such as guitar and keyboard, however, putting a high preference on drums.

Coming to Kenya he first landed gigs in churches and gospel concerts rubbing shoulders with Kenya’s gospel artistes and instrumentalists becoming a household name in a very short period of time. While still discovering himself and his brand as a drummer, he also interacted with musicians in other genres like jazz, rhumba, kapuka, gengetone blues and RNB where he played with them, sometimes even jamming with them whenever they met. It is with this experience that he came up with his own touch of drumming and percussion characterized by his signature chops, rolls and groove, that is a combination of his traditional Burundian drumming - "Ingoma z’iwacu" which translates to ‘the drums of our home’ and other African beats for instance the "Isukuti" of the Abaluhya tribe of Kenya. He combines a couple of different styles including reggae, ragga, contemporary, afrofusion et al. His authenticity that has led to him creating and partnering with leading producers and musicians in the industry in studios and concerts!

Rodgers D’Drummer has worked with a number of bands including Jazzique, Wale Wale, Udu Afrika and played for local and international artistes like Lydia Ogoti, Guardian Angel, Muhonja and his greatest of all time Reggae artiste – Richie Spice while the latter was on his tour in Kenya in 2019. He has jammed with Etanna’s band while she was touring Kenya in 2019! Talk of gracing big stages and festivals! This multi-instrumentalist has showcased his skills, creations and expertisé at Alliance Française de Nairobi, Ongea Summit 2020, Benga Togetha Movement, Dagoz, Street Worship Concerts among others!

As an artiste, D’Drummer describes music as both his opium and therapy any day, any time!