“Let the Groove Speak”: Andrey Rumyantsev on Groove, Passion, and Practice

Andrey Rumyantsev has been awarded the Silver Prize in the Music Performances – Soloist category at the Global Best Creative Awards 2025 Season 1 for his dynamic and rhythm-driven interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.”

“I chose this piece because it’s strong, funky, and full of energy,” Rumyantsev shares. “I wanted to challenge myself with something that demanded precision, groove, and feel—and let rhythm speak on my behalf.”

Through his performance, Rumyantsev aimed to convey the joy and power of rhythm, using drumming as a language beyond words. “It’s all about making the audience feel the groove,” he says.

A standout element for him was the interplay between the drums and Stevie Wonder’s iconic clavinet riff. “It felt like a conversation between instruments,” he reflects. “Locking in with that groove made the whole performance come alive.”

Stevie Wonder himself was a major influence on Rumyantsev’s preparation. Studying his feel, timing, and dynamic style helped guide the artistic process and elevate the performance beyond technique.

“I hope audiences take away that passion and practice matter more than age, and that rhythm can connect us all,” says Rumyantsev.

1.⁠ ⁠What inspired the setting or context of this work?

I selected Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" because it's a really strong, funky song with a fantastic groove. I wanted to push myself with something that requires both a strong sense of rhythm and feel.

2.⁠ ⁠What emotions or ideas were you hoping to express through this work?

I wanted to demonstrate the power and joy that rhythm can bring. I find that drumming allows me to communicate without using words, and in this performance I wanted the audience to feel the groove of the song I performed.

3.⁠ ⁠Is there a particular element or detail in the piece that holds special meaning for you?

Yes — the way the drums interact with the clavinet riff in the song. It’s a conversation between instruments, and locking in with that groove felt really meaningful to me.

4.⁠ ⁠Was there a specific concept or influence that guided your creative process?

Definitely Stevie Wonder himself. In order to learn how to play with both accuracy, I researched his feel and dynamics.

5.⁠ ⁠What do you hope audiences take away from experiencing your work?

I hope they see that age doesn’t matter when it comes to passion and music and that practise pays off.