Meet Shadrack “Shaddy” Oppong of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shadrack “Shaddy” Oppong.

Hi Shadrack “Shaddy”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Obuasi, in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, West Africa, where my musical journey began at the age of fourteen when I first picked up the drum set. I later moved to Accra to attend the University of Ghana, Legon, where I completed a four-year degree in Psychology. During this period, I began working professionally with several respected artists and groups in Ghana, including Akesse Brempong, Dark Suburb, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, among others. Those early experiences laid a strong foundation for both my musical and professional development.

In 2019, I relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, to study at Berklee College of Music. I earned an undergraduate degree in Professional Music with a concentration in Music Business and Production, before being accepted into the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, where I completed a master’s degree in Global Jazz in Contemporary Performance. My time at Berklee was transformative—it sharpened my artistic voice and expanded my understanding of music on a global level. I learned immensely from my peers and from mentors who continue to guide and support me, including Ronald Savage, John Patitucci, Danilo Pérez, Neal Smith, Jon Hazilla, Sean Skeete, Terri Lyne Carrington, Marco Pignataro, and Billy Kilson.

I am currently based in Los Angeles, where I relocated two years ago. That move has been truly life-changing, opening the door to remarkable creative and professional opportunities. I’ve had the privilege of working with various artists and bands, and I am presently touring internationally as the drummer for Grammy Award-winning artist Judith Hill. In parallel with my performance career, I also work in the music industry at Third Side Music Inc., a music publishing company, drawing on my background in music business.

Today, I’m grateful to be active both as a professional drummer and as a music industry professional. Working across these two worlds has given me a deeper, more holistic understanding of the forces that shape the careers of musicians, artists, bands, and creatives. It’s a balance that continues to inform my artistry and guide my path forward.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advise for those just starting out is, “Love what you do and everything else will sort itself out” (Aaron Spears).
Do not be afraid to go for what you want. Life is too short to not give it a try. And when you’re scared because no one has done it, tell yourself that you can be the first one to do it to encourage another kid somewhere.
Look, it is okay to be afraid, there’s nothing wrong with that but it not okay to not try at all. And in all things put your trust in God, pray, invite Him in, and He shall keep you, protect you, provide, order your steps and help you every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshaddyo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadracko1/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SHADDYO

Image Credits
Michał “Mim” Michalczuk