Meet Shadrack SHADDY” Oppong | Professional Performing and Recording Drummer”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shadrack “SHADDY” Oppong and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi SHADDY, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Perseverance! I believe my life alone represents or interprets the true meaning of the word, “perseverance”. In my career thus far, I have always pushed myself to go beyond the limit with what I do. If you believe in a course, nothing should stop you from actualizing it regardless of the circumstances. I fix my eyes on a particular thing and apply every resource I have within my means to achieve it. I do my best not to leave any stone unturned. Excuses are not part of the discussion and I don’t allow what I feel to dictate or control my actions. It gets tough sometimes but even if I fall, I get up and keep moving regardless.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a talented and versatile drummer who experiments with a wide range of genres, including Afrobeat, reggae, hip-hop, gospel, jazz, alternative rock, and R&B. Born and raised in Obuasi, Ghana, I discovered my love for drumming at a young age of 14 while playing in church.
With over 9 years of professional experience, I am a self-taught drummer who has honed his skills through hard work and determination. I have worked with a diverse group of artists, producers, and musical directors, including Akesse Brempong, Rocket House, Moncho Berry, and Bade, Alicia Camiña, to name a few. From 2014 to 2018, I served as the drummer for Akesse Brempong, including during his Agape Carnival Tour in cities throughout Ghana.
Fast forward, I got accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in 2019, where I earned a degree in Professional Music with concentrations in Music Production and Music Business. During my time at Berklee undergrad, I studied with some of the world’s leading music educators and performers, including John Hazilla, Billy Kilson, and Neal Smith.
I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in contemporary music performance in Global Jazz at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute under the mentorship of Danilo Perez, Marco Pignataro, Ron Savage, John Patitucci, Joe Lovano, Ben Street, Tia Fuller, Adam Cruz, to name a few. Also, I am currently working on my debut EP, “SHADDY CITY”, set to be released in the summer of 2024. I am combining my African roots with musical elements and styles from around the world to create unique and innovative sounds that represent my artistic expression.
The journey has not been easy but the one thing that has kept me going is to keep moving regardless and trusting the process and God’s purpose for my life. I believe God is always with me and He is my helper. Another thing is, other people’s success really encourages and inspires me a lot. It allows me to recognize possibilities. Also, I know what I want and for that reason, I persevere regardless of what may be an obstacle, because I believe I can also be the first to do something if it’s never been done before. I believe I have the responsibility to inspire others as well, especially the younger generations and the folks from my home country, Ghana in West Africa.
“What you don’t know and can’t do far exceed what you know and can do”. These words remind me to stay humble always no matter how high I reach in my career or other aspects of my life.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Several people deserve the shoutout and they are too many to name.
They know themselves because I make a constant effort of showing them every day how I appreciate them.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshaddyo/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadrack-%E2%80%9Cshaddy%E2%80%9D-oppong-2a5201185/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadracko1/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXNVqMLjnG6ReZV3a-ucoOw