Celina parker | bbc
From the moment I saw Afrika's audition tape, I knew she was it. The real deal. Technically impeccable, musically fluent, and utterly dedicated to her craft. The band needed Afrika-they needed her skill and versatility-what they also got was her
24 carat human spirit.
Affy is probably the nicest drummer I know, she is highly skilled and competent!
moss kena | recording artist
Love Affy, great service on the top line drums. I highly recommend her work.
goldie | dj
Big praise, she has such rare contrast in her playing, one minute perfect economy, the next opening up like a sonic whirlwind! The hottest new drummer of her generation.
Cerys matthews | recording artist
affy green
Pet Show Boys: Royal Arena, 2023
Pet Shop Boys took me to the furthest parts of the globe to perform in front of some of the biggest crowds. My first experience playing with a legacy act taught me attention to detail and helped me develop the endurance to give high energy each and every night (especially for those superfans who come to every show). Some of the parts were surprisingly tricky as the SPDX was reprogrammed for each song, which, when paired with at times technically challenging patterns while singing, could definitely be a stretch at the beginning of tour. But it was also really rewarding to see how all of it would be so ingrained by the time we hit the road. I was with them for 9 years, and during that time, Neil and Chris were always incredibly supportive and modeled how to navigate pressure with grace.
High Contrast: Live Broadcast, 2020
The High Contrast Band was a fantastic gig to be on. We toured the Night Gallery album. As a session drummer for Lincoln it was imperative to execute his iconic drum patterns as he intended the listeners to hear them. They are layered and intricate, kicks and snares are sonically balanced. So when it came time to play them live, a hybrid setup was the way to go. I chose to split the loops in half. Half played with the Kick (Roland KT10) and the other half played with the snare (SPDSX). I set the sounds to cut off when the other was played, which really gave it the choppy break-beat feel. With the auxiliary snare, I could fill in some of the beat with ghost notes to bring it further to life. Lincoln is laser-focused on the music and deeply cares, which is such a wonderful trait of an artist to work with.
Becky Hill: Jingle Bell Ball, 2024
Becky and I have worked together for years, and it's always incredible listening to her vocals. I wasn't on tour with her in 2023-2024 since I was out with PSB, but 24 hours before the gig, I got a call, so I learned the set in a few hours. We did Strictly Come Dancing and Jingle Bell Ball back to back, it was fun to push myself with speed in getting material down in such a short time. Becky is really funny, quick witted, and kind, which always makes working with her a great experience.
Fleur East: NTA Awards, 2016
Fleur loves to mix pop, soul, and funk, so working with her is the closest to my roots. It's always a full kit with Latin flares, which I love because I learned the drums listening to Parliament-Funkadelic and Prince, so I really enjoy having that funky glitz. Fleur is always about uplifting people and giving them a show to remember, and I love being able to contribute to that energy.
Emily Sandé: Hogmanay, 2021
As far as a gig goes, Emily Sandé required me to be the most dynamic and expressive because of her powerhouse vocals and ballads. Whereas often artists are hoping for loud and high energy, Emily necessitated sensitivity around her lyrical storytelling by using negative space and a wide dynamic range to support her vocals without overpowering them. Emily really inspired me by how she leads with her experience and identity in such a beautiful, raw way.
Zara Larsson: Vevo, 2021
In 2020, travel restrictions made it so Zara couldn't film with her usual band. So I was excited to support her for a month for a series of private gigs and TV appearances. Zara has such a wonderful work ethic and inspires everyone around her to contribute to the same level. It's really wonderful seeing the US catch on to her stardom this year.
Yolanda's Band Jam: CBEEBIES, 2019
This was so much fun! I love kids and feel a real duty to share the drums with kids because of how impactful they've been in my life. It was one of the most memorable and rewarding TV experiences because of the energy in the room and how I'm still approached by youngins' about it with so much enthusiasm and joy.
performances
"I knew she was it, the real deal. Technically impeccable, musically fluent, and utterly dedicated to her craft."
- celina parker, bbc
I’m a Gay, Mixed-Black, Neurodivergent, council estate kid turned hybrid drummer. Over my career, I’ve worked with artists like the Pet Shop Boys, Becky Hill, Zara Larsson, High Contrast, Sigala, Fleur East, and Goldie.
I've toured the world multiple times and performed at iconic venues like Glastonbury (headlining), Rock in Rio, Printworks, the 02 and have been featured in a wide range of studio and TV.
Most of my career has focused on hybrid playing (acoustic and electronic) for Pop and Drum & Bass artists, but I also have a background in Funk, R&B, and Jazz.
As a dual citizen of the UK and the USA, I can easily do US tours without limitation.
About Me
