Born in Oka-Akoko in Ekiti State of Nigeria, Baba Olajagun (vocals, talking drum) is a pillar of New York’s Nigerian community. A highly esteemed master drummer, teacher and ceremonial performer, Jagun first came to the U.S. as a member of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s Egypt 80 band.
Residing in New York City since the early 1990s, Baba Jagun has focused his efforts on keeping the traditional rhythms of his homeland present and accounted for. The 2003 release of the groundbreaking dance remix “Odo Oya” on Spiritual Life Records put Olajagun on the map as a recording artist in his own right.
Jagun’s own orchestra, Ancestral Rhythms, features some of the most skilled and exciting percussionists currently based in New York City: Kunle Ade (conga, jembe); Baba Azizi (conga, djembe); Foly Kolade (conga); Segun Ajaye (conga, djembe); Arthemio (conga); Tunji (sakara); Oscar Debe and Jojo Kuo (trap drums), and Judith Rahilly (backing vocals).
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
