Drums of passion was the first album released by babatunde olatunji 19272003 in 1960. The popularity of drums of passion and more drums of passion predated the 60s black nationalist movement and afrocentricity of the 80s and 90s. Olatunji was born in the village of ajido, near badagry, lagos state, in southwestern nigeria. Yes, the ashiko holds all that and so much more, its cultural richness so vast and. Drums of passion 4cd deluxe box set bear family records. Oct 11, 2011 listen to your favorite songs from drums of passion. Billed as traditional african meditation music, this provocative mix of tribal wails, chants, and hypnotic percussion patterns is the first posthumous release from a nigerian master whose impact on western culture was profound and demands attention. In 2004 the album was added to the national recording registry. Babatunde olatunji april 7, 1927 april 6, 2003 was a nigerian drummer, educator, social activist and recording artist. With drums of passion, babatunde olatunji had arrived on the. Babatunde olatunji s words are sung in his tribal language, yoruba, and the drums that surround him his ashiko, the big, curvaceous mother drum, the smaller, cylindrical djembe, the djundjun and the talking drum transmit the message as eloquently as the lyrics. World fusion, worldbeat babatunde olatunji drums of.
Babatunde olatunji jingoloba drums of passion youtube. Hailed as a genius by none other than jazz greats john coltrane, count basie, duke ellington and dizzy gillespie and referenced by bob dylan on his freewheeling album, olatunji has also toured with the rev. Photography by cover columbia records photo studio. If olatunji debuted in todays environment, he would be subjected to much tougher scrutiny and evaluation regarding authenticity than he received in the 60s. In 2002, it was released as a single layer stereo and 5. All the songs on the 1966 release more drums of passion are made available here in digital format for the first time domestically. He was one of the first artists in world music to become famous in the west. For ten years, i love playing at remos drum circle, and at many synagogues and celebrations of life. Babatunde olatunji, healing rhythms, songs and chants. The album is olatunji s tribute to the power of rhythm.
Hymns for the rebel soul rocky dawuni circle of drums. Nigerian drummer babatunde olatunji enjoyed a rich musical legacy during his lifetime. The invocation babatunde olatunji nigerianborn drummer babatunde olatunji 19372003 collaborated with mickey hart to create this album, issued in 1988 as part of the world series now part of the mickey hart collection made available by smithsonian folkways. Apr 10, 2003 babatunde olatunji, the nigerian drummer, bandleader and world beat pioneer who first brought authentic african music to the united states with his 1959 album, drums of passion, died sunday from. Babatunde olatunji love drum talk 1997 reissue 2004 2.
When he first appeared on the scene in america, babatunde olatunji was acclaimed by artists such as john coltrane and dizzy gillespie. Babatunde olatunji came to the united states to study medicine and ended up becoming a musician. Drums of passion was a watereddown and gentrified presentation of african music. Dance to the beat of my drum, blue heron blu7061 1986 reissued as drums of passion. Reliable information about the coronavirus covid19 is available from the world health organization current situation, international travel. Never did i ever even imagine that i would know, and love you, babatunde olatunji, and continue to bring your joy and passion of rhythm and drumming to our world. Nigerianborn drummer babatunde olatunji 19372003 collaborated with mickey hart to create this album, issued in 1988 as part of the world series now part of the mickey hart collection made available by smithsonian folkways. Olatunji formed a band of african expatriates mainly as an exercise and way to help each other avoid being homesick.
Babatunde olatunji drums of passion live 85 youtube. I was much more familiar with its africanamerican decendents. Hart and olatunji sought to retain the live sound heard in this digital recording by capturing both the individual instruments as well as the collective sound. He is credited as being one of the first musicians to bring genuine african music to western ears en masse, having burst on the scene in 1959 with his debut, drums of passion. The ensemble scored a hit record and he became a musician.
The beat updated his classic drums of passion concept, adding rock and pop energy and instrumentalists to the wall of multiple rhythms. Babatunde olatunji featuring special performances with members of drums of passion. Michael babatunde olatunji april 7, 1927 april 6, 2003 was a nigerian musician, social activist and educator, but best known as a drummer. With music streaming on deezer you can discover more than 56 million tracks, create your own playlists, and share your favourite tracks with your friends. An innovative nigerian drummer who played in integral part in bringing african music to u. He also made an instructional video, african drumming. The spirit of the drum is something that you feel but cannot put your hands on, olatunji once explained to an interviewer. Columbia legacys reissue of drums of passion offers a chance for new listeners to fully appreciate the groundbreaking 1959 debut cd of the late african drummer michael babatunde olatunji.
Drums of passion album lyrics by babatunde olatunji. Babatunde olatunji drums of passion 1959 lyrics at the. Unquestionably, it was the first recording to popularize african music in the west, becoming immensely successful and selling over five million copies. The beat 1989 which included airto moreira and carlos santana, love drum talk 1997, circle of drums 2005 originally titled cosmic rhythm vibrations, with muruga booker and sikiru adepoju, and olatunji live at starwood 2003 recorded. African folk music as well as world music in general was and still is just a budding passion. Shop for vinyl, cds and more from babatunde olatunji at the discogs marketplace. Babatunde olatunji drums of passion 1960 flac stereo 2488. Mar 30, 2017 if you need to brush up on the bio of babatunde then i suggest starting with his wiki page, allaboutjazz and a more informativethanusual piece on since they also offer multiple links for further reading. Theres also a good post over at the excellent the basement rug blog with drums of passion and a couple other olatunji lps. His seminal album, drums of passion 1959, was credited with sparking a vogue for. Babatunde olatunji, nigerianborn drummer born april 7, 1927, ajido, nigeriadied april 6, 2003, salinas, calif. In 1997 he performed at the million woman march in washington, d.
Babatunde olatunji april 7, 1927 april 6, 2003 was a nigerian drummer, educator, social activist, and recording artist. Drums of passion babatunde olatunji similar allmusic. Nigerianborn drummer michael babatunde olatunji grew to international fame beginning in the late 50s with his groundbreaking 1959 capitol records debut drums of passion. This zeal lay at the root of olatunji s music, and is arguably felt more ferociously on drums of passion than any other of his many recordings. The beat was written and coproduced with mickey hart by nigerian artist babatunde olatunji 19372003 and features guests brazilian percussionist airto moriera and rock guitarist carlos santana. The album is olatunjis tribute to the power of rhythm.
Olatunji s 1959 album, drums of passion, was the first album of african drumming recorded in stereo in an american studio, and it introduced a generation to the power and intricacy of. Drums of passion, akiwowo chant to the trainman and more. Michael babatunde olatunji born april 7, 1927 april 6, 2003 was a nigerian drummer. Michael babatunde olatunji was a nigerian drummer, educator, social activist.
Babatunde olatunji drums of passion 1960 flac stereo 24. Babatunde olatunji drums of passion 1959 babatunde olatunji was a virtuoso drummer who became a sensation in the 60s with his albums of traditional nigerian drumming and chanting. The idea clicks, and olatunji s african beats are contrasted by airto moreiras latin percussion, mickey hart. Drums of passion by babatunde olatunji on apple music. Prominently mentioned in those accounts was his 1960 debut album, drums. Find babatunde olatunji similar, influenced by and follower information on allmusic allmusic. Unquestionably, it was the first recording to popularize african. While studying in new york city, olatunji formed an african drum and dance group. Babatunde olatunji music, videos, stats, and photos. The resulting drums of passion became a leftfield hit, inspiring such diverse musicians as miles davis and moe tucker.
Find babatunde olatunji discography, albums and singles on allmusic. Babatunde olatunji listen on deezer music streaming. Babatunde olatunji more drums of passion album art olatunji more. Listen to your favorite songs from drums of passion. Oclcs webjunction has pulled together information and resources to assist library staff as they consider how to handle coronavirus. Forming a nigerian folklore ensemble with the african expatriate community, he recorded the landmark album drums of passion in 1959. Drums of passion, an album by babatunde olatunji on spotify. In this album he has recaptured some of his early impressions in his drum beats and giving them new zest. Babatunde olatunji has been hailed as the father of african drum ming in the united. Released in 1959 by columbia records, olatunji s first album became an unprecedented, worldwide smash hit. Find similar albums to drums of passion babatunde olatunji on allmusic.
He uses it to fine effect on a number of pieces on drums of passion, at times soaring above the drums, then joining in harmony with others in his troupe. We hear so much about world music these days, and so little about olatunji who singlehandedly popularised african percussion in north america. Make no mistake, this recording is about rhythm and percussion, but dont overlook the fact that olatunji has a distinctive and powerful voice. Babatunde olatunji listen to babatunde olatunji on deezer. Ashiko drumatic innovation drum circles manic to magic in 60. Despite its origins, drums sounds like a field recording. Babatunde olatunji drums of passion 1960 reissue 2002. In 1957 when columbia records producer john hammond heard olatunji performing at radio city music hall with a 66piece orchestra, he was so impressed that this fortuitous meeting led directly to the recording of drums of passion. Stream adfree with amazon music unlimited on mobile, desktop, and.
What really gets revealed by this 50th anniversary release is the ability olatunji had to make traditional music popular. Babatunde olatunji love drum talk 1997 reissue 2004. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cooki. Directed by, vocals, liner notes babatunde olatunji. See all 3 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. Unquestionably, it was the first recording to popularize african music in the west. The acknowledged master of african drumming presents essential techniques, rhythmic patterns, and concepts for drummers of all levels. A member of the yoruba people, olatunji was introduced to trad read more. The most famous track of this record is jingolaba, which sold millions as a single alone. Drums of passion was the first album released by babatunde olatunji. Drummer babatunde olatunji pioneer nigerian musician sfgate. Music profile for babatunde olatunji, born 7 april 1927. Of course, i still have it, half a century later, and thankfully feel the passion.
Main artists list charts genres last added lyrics artistgroup album song song lyrics advanced search. Drums of passion the invocation when i pulled this cd off the shelf, saw the cover art and read the title i thought, oh dearby the time this is done, will i be dancing around the room, scantily clad and covered with whatever war paint i can find in my makeup bag. The album was a huge hit, remaining in print for decades and standing as one of the first examples of the american recordbuying public taking an interest. Max roachs freedom now suite, drums of passion, and the rose that grew from concrete, volume 1. Occasionally he received guest academic posts in europe and africa. Babatunde olatunji drums of passion 1959 petty vendetta. Much to his surprise, this recording of traditional drums and chants charted for years and made him very influential. With his death in april 2003, the obituaries respectfully memorialized the nigerian expatriate, musician babatunde olatunji. Babatunde olatunjis album drums of passion, which made west african. Percussionist olatunji was championing african music long before anyone devised the worldbeat marketing strategy. The nigerian drummer babatunde olatunji, who has died aged 75, played a key role in furthering the appreciation of african and specifically nigerian. Stream adfree with amazon music unlimited on mobile, desktop, and tablet. Drums of passion is a classic 1960 album by nigerian percussionist babatunde olatunji.
While studying in new york city, olatunji formed an african drum a. The spiritual powers of the drum and drumming are the focus of this dvd. Olatunji more drums of passion 1966, vinyl discogs. More than just a great cd, drums of passion is a cultural experience. Numerous and frequentlyupdated resource results are available from this search. It is credited for making traditional african music popular outside africa. Nigerian drummer enjoyed huge american success in the 50s with his seminal drums of passion. This was never more evident than when olatunji performed at john f.
Michael babatunde olatunji biography life, family, children. Even today, fortyfour years after its original release, this record will open the eyes and ears of new listeners to the vibrant nuances of traditional african music and vocals. Olatunji was a drummer, social activist and musician, born in ajindo, nigeria. In 1959, nigerian percussionist babatunde olatunji entered a new york studio with three fellow drummers and nine female singers. Much to his surprise, this recording of traditional drums and chants charted for years and made him very influential in afrocentric circles. Olatunji s subsequent recordings include drums of passion. Apr 03, 2020 babatunde olatunji, nigerianborn drummer born april 7, 1927, ajido, nigeriadied april 6, 2003, salinas, calif. Stream adfree or purchase cds and mp3s now on amazon. Drums of passion is an album released by nigerian percussionist babatunde olatunji in 1960. During the rest of his life, olatunji recorded many more albums zungo. Olatunji recorded new albums, including drums of passion. Both olatunji and his drums of passion were unknown to me when i discovered this cd. Olatunji was born in the village of ajido, a small town near badagry, lagos state, in southwestern nigeria.
Apr 06, 2003 babatunde olatunji discography and songs. Olatunjis subsequent recordings include drums of passion. The invocation 1987 love drum talk 1998 soul 2004 circle of drums 2006 soul makossa 1972 you may also like see all. It could conceivably be considered the first world music album. Upon its release, drums of passion became a worldwide phenomenon. He also soon counted jazz heavyweights like john coltrane tunji and dizzy gillespie among his admirers gillespie had, a decade earlier, also courted many cuban music stars via his trailblazing latin jazz recordings.
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