Ghanaian drummer Aduberks is having the kind of week artists dream about; one defined by rhythm, recognition and a deeply personal milestone.

Fresh off the success of his maiden Live in Concert showcase and heading into his birthday celebrations, the sticksman proved that drummers can command centre stage just as powerfully as any frontman.

For the past five years, Aduberks has quietly built an enviable résumé, lending his precision and musical intuition to some of Africa’s most celebrated names, including Reggie Rockstone, R2Bees, Wizkid, King Promise, FRA!, Samini, Efya, Gyakie, Team Eternity Ghana, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, and Pat Thomas.

Beyond live performances, he has also shaped sound from the studio, producing for spoken word and music talent Poetra Asantewaa. 

But on Friday night, the spotlight belonged mainly to him - he was open to sharing, however.

Backed by the Apogee Band, Aduberks electrified fans at Alliance Française Accra, where music lovers gathered from 6 PM to 11 PM for an evening that blended musicianship with showmanship. 

The set unfolded like a journey through Ghana’s contemporary soundscape, with the drummer leading every transition with flair and authority. Futhermore, he introduced the audience to a new sound he is pioneering, which he calls HausLife - a purée of Highlife and House traditions. 

The energy only grew as guest performers joined the celebration.

Acts including Ayisi, Wanlov the Kubolor, Josh Blakk, Reynolds the Gentleman, and the dynamic dance collective DWP Academy added layers of excitement, turning the concert into a full-bodied artistic experience rather than just a performance.

With his birthday approaching on Tuesday, February 17, the night took on a tender, celebratory tone.

A cake was brought out, champagne corks popped, and cheers filled the venue. In one of the evening’s most touching moments, Aduberks’ mother joined him to cut the cake; a symbolic scene that drew applause from the crowd as they watched a parent witness the fruits of her son’s dedication.

Support for the drummer extended beyond the stage.

Among the audience was Tema-based R2Bees legend Mugeez, who kept it simple and heartfelt.

“It was perfect bro,” he later told Aduberks.

Respected travel entrepreneur and music executive Vidette Adjorlolo shared: “The show was very well executed, and it was very fun, I really enjoyed it.”

Burger Highlife voice RCEE said: “Congratulations, the show was lit.”

Afro-Soul talent Jubed, who performed on the night, had his manager pass on a message that captured the scale of the achievement: “Congratulations on a successful show. You’ve set a standard.”

On social media, event organiser Dennis Papa Kwaisey Donkor of 24Bars Inc noted the “honour” of putting Aduberks: Live in Concert together, as he praised the drummer’s gift, describing the debut as a “monumental milestone.” He attached a collage of the night's glowing memories, which you can watch here.

The consensus was unmistakable: the night belonged to an artist who has patiently honed his craft behind others and is now confidently stepping forward.

Aduberks staging his own concert is more than a personal victory. It signals a shift, proof that so-called background musicians can headline, build their own audiences and shape their own narratives.

In a music culture often dominated by vocalists, Friday night was a reminder that sometimes, it is the heartbeat behind the music that deserves the loudest applause.