Meet Lekan Babalola: First Nigerian To Win Grammy Awards Twice
Meet Lekan Babalola:
First Nigerian To Win Grammy Awards Twice
Olalekan Babalola is a Nigerian jazz percussionist and musician.
Born in Lagos State, Nigeria where he began playing the conga at a tender age, he has released seven albums and jointly won two Grammy Awards.
Babalola started his career playing in the Yoruba-Christian church owned by his father, Olayiwola Babalola.
As his skills as a master percussionist grew, he was invited to join Gasperlawal in 1980.
His career continued with performances with the likes of 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, Tessa Souter.
His album with Mr Bongo, Songs of Icon, is a unique recording that draws it’s musical influences and inspiration from Santeria, an Afrocuban version of IFA. The album is a double CD featuring originals and remixes of most of the songs by the top names in the broken beat/ leftfield scene, thus targeting the ‘world music’ and dance markets. Remixers include Mark de Clive Lowe, Afronaut, Misa Negra, IG Culture and Le Pico.
The two-time Grammy Award-winning Nigerian tells an in-depth story about his background and career in this video interview with film-maker Jason King.
Watch the interview below:
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