To listen to Yoyoka Soma play the drums, you’d never know that she is only eight years old. The drummer prodigy entered the seventh annual Hit Like A Girl contest. This contest features female percussionists from all over the world, and Soma’s entry is taking social media by storm.
This larger-than-life drummer comes in a teeny tiny package, though. With bright eyes and a contagious smile, her energy is electric from the moment she sits down at her beloved drums. Her video entry shows a polka-dot sock foot beating the rhythm on the base. She wildly drums out, not just any song, but the technically difficult ‘Good Times Bad Times’ by Led Zeppelin.
Her cheery, bright yellow outfit just adds more “happy” to the whole picture. Soma is anything but childlike, though, when she plays the drums. Not only does she flawlessly present her song, but her performance comes complete with head banging and intense focus. While she may take her drumming very seriously, the enthusiasm she exhibits and the sheer enjoyment of playing is obvious when she takes a moment to peek at the camera and smiles, mid-song.
Surprisingly, the drums are not Soma’s first instrument. She can play keyboard and sings in her family band, Kaneaiyoyoka.
She was first introduced to the drums when she was just a toddler, at age 2. She says it was the first instrument that she really connected with.
“The drum was the first instrument in which I felt an interest in my life. I also play the keyboard and perform as a vocalist. I compose lyrics and music as well.”
Soma wrote and performed the song “Happy” with her family. Although Soma is from Japan, she is learning English in preparation for her future.
“I want to be an artist who can do anything: playing all instruments, recording music, mixing the sound and designing the CD album jackets.”
While Soma didn’t win the contest, her outstanding talent did earn her a spot with the elite in the final round of the competition. Her video now has over 1.7 million views and captured the attention of thousands including Led Zeppelin band member Robert Plant.
“The thing is, it’s like falling off a log for her,” he mused. “That’s a technically really difficult thing to do. I think he’d [John Bonham] be amazed. I think he’d be so chuffed. It’s great.”
This eight-year-old drummer prodigy may have nailed Led Zeppelin, but Soma doesn’t just want to be a drummer. No, her dreams are far bigger and more reaching than your typical musician. In her own words:
“My dream is to be the best drummer in the world.”
Now that’s aiming high! Her zest for life and her gift for drumming surely will take Soma far. This little girl from Japan will likely accomplish her dream and more. Soma reminds us all to dream big and reach for the stars!
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