Jah Baba

The series "The Drummers and Their Drumbeats" by Ghanaian filmmaker Anita Afonu, commissioned by Culturescapes, focuses on a selection of artists whose works are presented in scope of Culturescapes 2023 Sahara. Beninese singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and bandleader Jah Baba (Oladipo Abiala) is best known for his blend of traditional West African drumming with jazz, juju, afrobeat, reggae, and gospel music. Born to Yoruba parents in Benin, Jah became a master of the bata and gangan (dundun) drums as well as the Oro and Gèlèdè masquerade traditions of his native region. His original compositions and dynamic live performances are deeply rooted in this rich cultural heritage and convey pride in the inherent beauty of African culture. Inspired by greats such as Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Miles Davis, his music carries the spirit of Africa to the world. Jah is also an audio engineer, cultural promoter, and arts educator who owns and operates Africa Sound City, a performance venue and recording studio in Cotonou, Benin. From this home base, he dedicates his spare time to training youth and cultivating the next generation of Beninise artists.