Introduction
Babatunde Olatunji was a renowned drummer, Civil Rights activist, and educator who is largely credited for popularizing West African drumming and Afrobeat music in the US. Born in Ajido, Nigeria in 1927, Olatunji was the recipient of a Rotary International Foundation scholarship, and immigrated to the US in 1950. He studied in Atlanta, GA, and then came to study in New York City in 1954. Later, Olatunji formed a band with other African students and expatriates, and they were popular performers across NYC. In 1957, he and his band performed at Radio City Music Hall; two years later, Olatunji released his album Drums of Passion, the first track of which is “Akiwowo.”
Olatunji continued to be active both as a musician and an activist. He toured with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., participated in the March on Washington, was featured at John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration ceremony, and performed for the United Nations General Assembly. In 2004, Drums of Passion was officially added to the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress.
Listen
The Lesson
At The Piano
Full Speed
Slower
Sheet Music
Piano
Piano Challenge Version
Ukulele
Guitar
Recorder
Xylophone or On-Screen Piano
Don’t Forget!
You can look up the ukulele chords and guitar chords and get help with reading tablature,
playing the recorder or rhythm (percussion) instruments right here on my website!