In concert and in the studio, Olatunji favors the big sound, often using 20 or more singers, percussionists, and dancers. His two Rykodisc release produced by Mickey Hart--Drums of Passion: The Beat (1989) and Drums of Passion: The Invocation (1988)--show both his willingness to experiment and find common ground with American musicians, and his devotion to ancient African traditions.

For the past thirty years, Olatunji has worked out of the Olatunji Center of African Culture in Harlem. Using an ever-changing stable of young musicians, he performs and teaches all over the world. In 1986, Olatunji received the Liberty Award from the Mayor of New York for his profound impact on cultural exchange between Africa and America. Olatunji\'s biography, \"The Beat of my Drum,\" is published by Temple University Press.

In the fall of 2001, Olatunji spent some time at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, where he was being treated for diabetes. Afropop Worldwide wishes him a speedy return to health. ">

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Babatunde Olatunji
West Africa
Nigeria
Babatunde Olatunji, by Johan Werner
When it comes to ambassadors of African culture in the US, Nigeria's Babatunde Olatunji was and is the pioneer. Read more on Babatunde Olatunji...
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