Range and Influence Profile
100% of total potential influence has been identified.
Trending in Babatunde Olatunji’s World
No trending songs available.
Album
Playlists & Collaborations
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe roughly translates to the Yoruba way of life. It is tradition, culture, religion all rolled into one. The Isese playlist is a collection of songs that pays tribute to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe. It predates genres like Apala, Juju, and Fuji. It is great for moments when you want to create a core Yoruba or Lucumi environment or pay tribute to the Yoruba gods - Olodumare, Orisha'nla, Ogun, Orunmila, Eshu, and Yemoja. It includes music from Nigeria, Benin, Cuba, and Brazil.
Story
Quick Facts
Born
1927
1927
From
Nigeria
Nigeria
Journey
Babatunde Michael Olatunji, born on April 7, 1927, in Ajido, Nigeria, emerged as a compelling figure in bridging African musical traditions with global audiences. A Yoruba native, Olatunji was steeped in rich rhythmic traditions from an early age. His journey to the United States, fueled by a Rotary Scholarship to Morehouse College, marked the beginning of his transformative impact on the music world. In 1959, his debut album, "Drums of Passion," struck a chord with American audiences, selling over a million copies and heralding the introduction of African music across the U.S. and beyond. This album, emblematic of his fusion of genres like juju, jazz, gnawa, afrobeat, and maluf, set a precedent for what would later be known as world music. Olatunji’s collaborations are numerous and include work with iconic jazz musician John Coltrane—credited in the evocative piece "Tunji"—and Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart, resulting in the Grammy-winning "Planet Drum." An innovator and educator, he co-founded the Olatunji Center of African Culture in Harlem, fostering an appreciation of African heritage through arts education. Beyond his recorded work, Olatunji taught at prestigious institutions and offered workshops worldwide. His visionary blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, combined with his dedication to cultural education, confirmed his status as a global ambassador for African music. He passed away just shy of his 76th birthday on April 6, 2003, leaving behind an everlasting rhythm and cultural legacy.
