Go Back
Babtunde Olatunji
First Name: 
Other Names: 
Last Name: 
Stage Name: 
Country: 
Born: 
D.O.D: 
Primary Language: 
Other Languages: 
Bio
Michael Babatunde Olatunji, was a renowned Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist and recording artist. He gained fame after performing with the 66-piece Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, which led to him being signed by the Columbia Records in 1957. Two years later, he released his first of six records on the Columbia label, titled "Drums of Passion", which became a massive hit and introduced many Americans to world music. Olatunji released several hit songs and collaborated with many prominent musician.
Discography
Discography not yet available. Check later.
Label
Record Label associated with Babtunde Olatunji - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    Abdullah Ibrahim Fka Dollar Brand
    Abdullah Ibrahim Fka Dollar BrandSouth Africa |1934| English
    Abdullah Ibrahim, born Adolph Johannes Brand, is a highly esteemed South African pianist, composer, and bandleader. He began playing piano at the age of seven and made his professional debut at the age of fifteen, quickly becoming one of the leading jazz musicians in South Africa. His career saw collaborations with notable musicians, including the Jazz Epistles, and later, international recognition. In 1965, he moved to New York, where he performed at prestigious venues and became deeply engaged with the global jazz community. In 1990, Mandela invited him back to South Africa, marking a significant return. Ibrahim's illustrious career includes collaborations, film scores, documentaries, and many recognition and awards. He continues to tour, educate, and innovate in music, leaving an enduring legacy.
    Joseph Tawadros
    Joseph TawadrosEgypt |1983| Arabic
    Joseph Tawadros AM, an Egyptian-born Coptic Australian artist, is a remarkable composer, accomplished multi-instrumentalist, and virtuoso of the oud. His musical journey began at the tender age of 8. Tawadros has a sound foundation in classical music, earning a bachelor of music degree from the University of New South Wales and a Freedman Fellowship for Classical Music. Notably, he is the first and sole Australian composer in the esteemed Academy of Ancient Music to perform work in the United Kingdom. He has four ARIA awards to his name and is renowned for seamlessly navigating across genres and numerous collaborations, illustrating his ability to transcend musical boundaries.
    Dexter Johnson
    Dexter JohnsonNigeria |1932| English
    Dexter Johnson was a Nigerian musician and multi-instrumentalist who rose to fame in Dakar's music scene during the 1960s. Relocating to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in the 1970s, he found employment at Disco Stock, a renowned record label. In Abidjan, Johnson formed partnerships with various musicians and bands and produced several albums that gained substantial popularity across West Africa. Notably, he worked closely with Manu Dibango to shape the influential Ivory Radio and Television Orchestra, which became a prominent musical ensemble in Ivory Coast. Johnson's musical prowess led him to the United States, where he continued collaborating with fellow artists and recording music. Sadly, he passed away in 1977, leaving behind a legacy as a gifted musician whose melodies brought joy to countless individuals.
    Samuel Akpabot
    Samuel AkpabotNigeria |1932| English
    Samuel Akpabot was a Nigerian music composer, ethnomusicologist, producer, and author. His musical journey started as a church chorister, and in 1949, he established a highlife band called 'The Akpabot Players.' Furthering his music education, he pursued studies at the Royal College of Music in London in 1953. He subsequently became a music lecturer at the University of Nigeria and later earned an M.A. in musicology from the University of Chicago. Noteworthy among his compositions was "Scenes from Nigeria." Returning to Nigeria, he served as a senior music producer at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. His significant works encompassed "3 Nigerian Dances" and "Cynthia’s Lament." He assumed the role of director of Chapel Music at OAU and contributed significantly to the annual Ife Festival of Arts.
    Brother Tricky
    Brother TrickyGhana |1920| English
    Joe Mensah was a distinguished Ghanaian highlife singer, musician, and skilled keyboard player. His musical journey commenced when he joined the Broadway Band at a young age. In the early 1960s, he achieved success as part of Chief Bill Friday's highlife band. Notably, he studied at the Julliard School of Music, broadening his musical expertise and eventually transitioning into a producer's role. Some of Mensah's most memorable hits include "Bonsue" and "Rokpokpo," both featured on his 1977 album "The Afrikan Hustle." Beyond his musical contributions, Joe Mensah played a pivotal role in establishing the Ghana Musicians Union, where he served as its inaugural president. His enduring influence and talents have left an indelible mark on the Ghanaian music scene.
    Laba Sosseh
    Laba SossehSenegal |1943| French
    Laba Sosseh was a Gambia-born Senegalese singer, composer, and percussionist who gained fame in West Africa in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a versatile musician, proficient in various genres such as afro-cuban, salsa, soukous and traditional Gambian music. He was a member of several bands, including Star Band and Africando, and released several albums as a solo artist. He is considered a pioneer of Afro-Latin music in West Africa and his music continues to be popular today. Laba passed away Spetember 20, 2007.
    Allen Kwela
    Allen KwelaSouth Africa |1939| English
    Allen Kwela was a South African musical Luminary, who excelled as a kwela and jazz guitarist, penny whistler, composer, and bandleader. Raised in Durban, he learned music through ingenuity, fashioning a tin guitar. Initially associated with Spokes Mashiyane in Kwela music, he later ventured into jazz. His 2002 album, "The Broken Strings of Allen Kwela," earned award nominations, solidifying his reputation. Kwela became a revered and legendary figure in South African jazz, celebrated for his profound influence on the genre. His musical journey, from cattle herder to a masterful musician, left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and shape the world of South African music.
    Zacks Nkosi
    Zacks NkosiSouth Africa |1918| English
    Isaac Zacks Nkosi, known as "Bra Zacks," was a South African band leader, composer, and saxophonist known for his contributions to the golden age of African Jazz in the 1950s and 1960s. Bra Zacks began his music career in his childhood, learning piano, organ, accordion, violin, and clarinet. He played professionally with some local bands before leading his own bands, including the Zig Zag Zacks Band, and recorded dozens of sides for the HMV and Columbia labels.
    Fela Kuti
    Fela KutiNigeria |1938| English
    Fela Kuti, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was a renowned Nigerian musician and activist who pioneered Afrobeat. He founded "Africa '70" and used his music fearlessly to confront Nigeria's corrupt government and advocate for social justice. Fela's music sparked both acclaim and controversy, solidifying his status as a cherished cultural figure in Nigeria. His powerful musical legacy transcended borders, inspiring movements, including his self-established left-wing pan-African political movement "Movement Of the People" (M.O.P), which has earned him numerous posthumous accolades and recognition.