Lekan Babalola

Lekan Babalola

Lekan Babalola is a percussionist, curator and founder of the Ifa-Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust. His work focuses on Yoruba culture and arts, with an emphasis on their expression in Africa and across the diaspora. He is associated with nu jazz, afro beat, jazz and easy listening, and is listed as part of Africanism All Stars.

Early career

Babalola begins his career playing in the Yoruba-Christian church owned by his father, Olayiwola Babalola. As his reputation as a master percussionist develops, he joins Gasperlawal in 1980.

Collaborations

He performs with a wide range of artists, including Fela Kuti, Ernest Ranglin, Roy Ayers, Tony Allen, Branford Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson, Pinse Saul, Queen Salawa, Abeni, Axelle Red, Kllb Band, Bola Are, Jean Toussaint and Tessa Souter. He also works extensively with Cassandra Wilson.

Recordings and releases

His album Songs of Icon, released with Mr Bongo, draws on Santeria, an Afro-Cuban form of IFA. It appears as a double CD and includes original tracks alongside remixes by figures from the broken beat and leftfield scenes, including Mark de Clive Lowe, Afronaut, Misa Negra, IG Culture and Le Pico.

His second single, Asokere, is remixed by IG Culture and appears on Africanism Vol. 3 on Defected in the UK. It also features on Gilles Peterson’s In Africa compilation.

He also appears on the album you are welcome in poland.