Nigerian highlife musician Sanmi Michael and his band, The Rockers, are gaining international recognition for their unique blend of African tradition, soulful expression, and performance excellence, as they prepare to embark on a United States tour spanning 2025 into 2026.
Known for their electrifying live shows, Sanmi Michael and The Rockers are reshaping the global perception of African music by infusing Yoruba percussion, highlife melodies, Afro-jazz instrumentation, and modern improvisation. Their sound is both nostalgic and fresh, earning them a place at major local and international festivals, concerts, and cultural showcases.
“From my experience and understanding, every song carries a message, an expression, a groove, a melody, and space,” Sanmi said. “Whether it’s a stripped-down acoustic piece or a full-band explosion, if it speaks truth, moves your body, lingers in your mind, and breathes, it’s good music.”
Sanmi’s dedication has been recognised with nominations and awards from platforms such as the Yomafa Global Awards and the MAYA Awards. As he and his band prepare for their upcoming tour, the artist expressed gratitude for the platform provided by Samuel Ekundayo of Sammek Moments Arts and Cultural Entertainment LLC, the promoter behind the tour.
On preparing for performances, Sanmi shared insights into his process: “Personal rehearsal is key, and I rehearse with my team regularly, not just to hit the right notes, but to build chemistry. Sound checks are crucial; that’s where we fine-tune the room, the levels, and the energy flow. We treat our setlists like storytelling arcs, knowing when to build, when to breathe, and when to blow the roof off.”
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For Sanmi and The Rockers, performance is about more than just music. “Eye contact, sharing stories between songs, and inviting the audience to sing or dance with us, it all creates intimacy,” he explained. “We want people to feel they’re part of the moment, not just watching it.”
With new projects in the pipeline and anticipation building around their international tour, Sanmi Michael and The Rockers continue to champion African music as a living, breathing art form, one that transcends borders, tells stories, and connects deeply with audiences around the world.
“African music isn’t just rhythm,” Sanmi said. “It’s legacy. It’s language. It’s a light that must never be dimmed.”