It is hard to imagine a starker contrast than the heavy-hitting, complex mastery of Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times” and an eight-year-old girl smiling behind a massive drum kit. Born in October 2009 in Ishikari, Hokkaido, Japan, Yoyoka Soma is a true musical prodigy. Nurtured by her musician parents, Akifumi and Rie Soma, Yoyoka began playing drums before age two and was performing by four. Growing up in a home studio, the family formed the band Kaneaiyoyoka in 2015. However, it was Yoyoka’s viral cover of the iconic Led Zeppelin track that completely shocked the world.

Submitted as her entry for the 2018 Hit Like A Girl international female drumming contest, the staggering performance rightfully earned Yoyoka the Under-18 weekly champion title. The track is infamous for its technical difficulty, specifically John Bonham’s legendary, rapid-fire kick-drum triplets. Yet, Yoyoka executed the complex rhythms effortlessly. Wearing adorable polka-dot socks, she flawlessly demonstrated precise cymbal dampening and heavy footwork, conquering one of rock’s most notoriously difficult drum tracks with total ease.

Viewers were instantly captivated, widely agreeing that Yoyoka plays with the raw power, feel, and spirit of John “Bonzo” Bonham himself. Her unbridled child glee and infectious smile while head-banging won the internet’s heart. One stunned viewer noted, “I didn’t think I believed in reincarnation, but… Bonzo? Is that you? Are you in there?” Another fan joked about her defying the retirement of classic rock legends, writing, “Everybody: All the good drummers are dead or retiring. YoYoKa: Hold my juice box.” Her joyous passion made the intensely difficult performance incredibly fun to watch.

The Music Man community might remember how, by June 2018, the video had exploded, amassing over 4.4 million views and earning coverage from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and NPR. The ultimate validation came when Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant watched her on CBC Radio’s q with Tom Power. Plant was astounded, remarking that “it’s like falling off a log for her” and noting Bonham would be amazed. With legendary rockers like Dave Grohl, Chad Smith, and Ian Paice also showering her with praise, Yoyoka’s extraordinary ongoing journey and further phenomenal performances were only just beginning. See the incredible moment Led Zeppelin’s own lead singer reacted to this jaw-dropping tribute.

Following her viral breakthrough, Yoyoka’s trajectory skyrocketed to global stardom. She made two sensational appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and became the youngest-ever performer at the Rising Sun Rock Festival. In 2019, she rocked Summer Sonic Tokyo alongside Fall Out Boy for 20,000 screaming fans, and even performed as a guest drummer for Cyndi Lauper. Beyond drumming, she is a talented multi-instrumentalist who plays bass, keyboards, and sings while composing her own music. Her widespread appeal has also landed her global commercial campaigns with massive brands like Nike, Moncler, and Uniqlo.