Babatunde olatunji biography of martin

This was the site of Coltrane's final recorded performance. Coltrane wrote the composition "Tunji" on the album Coltrane in dedication to him. InCarlos Santana had a major hit with his cover version of "Jin-go-lo-ba" from Olatunji's first album, which Santana recorded on his debut album, Santana, as "Jingo".

Babatunde olatunji biography of martin: Michael Babatunde Olatunji (April 7, –

Olatunji was known for making an impassioned speech for social justice before performing in front of a live audience. He toured the American south with Rev. Most notably creating a strong relationship with John Coltranewith whose help he founded the Olatunji Center for African Culture in Harlem. This was the site of Coltrane's final recorded performance in Coltrane wrote the composition "Tunji" on the album Coltrane in dedication to him.

InCarlos Santana had a major hit with his cover version of " Jin-go-lo-ba " from Olatunji's first album, which Santana recorded on his debut album, Santanaas "Jingo". Film and theatre [ edit ] Olatunji's most notable involvement comes from composing music for both the Broadway theatrical and the Hollywood film adaptations of Lorraine Hansberry's acclaimed play, Raisin in the Sun.

Olatunji's musical compositions added a rich and evocative layer to these productions, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the storytelling. Collaborating with renowned musician Bill LeeOlatunji lent his expertise to the musical score, contributing to the film's cultural resonance and critical acclaim.

Babatunde olatunji biography of martin: Born in to a

His involvement in this project underscored his ability to seamlessly blend traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds, creating a musical backdrop that complemented the narrative and resonated with audiences. Furthermore, Olatunji's collaboration with Bill Lee on She's Gotta Have It exemplifies his commitment to fostering intergenerational musical partnerships.

Assisting Bill Leeand by extension, contributing to the success of Spike Lee 's directorial debut, Olatunji showcased not only his musical prowess but also his ability to mentor and inspire emerging talents in the industry. Babatunde Olatunji was politically active, and before each live performance, he would make a speech for social justice.

He was also a talented music teacher, and in the late s, Babatunde Olatunji started teaching drum and dance workshops. His workshops were presented not only in the US, but around the world, at colleges, universities, and for cultural and government organizations. Poorly informed about his options, Olatunji also signed away his royalty rights, and in the end he earned little money from the record.

In he performed at inauguration ceremonies for U. President John F. Kennedy, and he released his second LP, Zungo! There, Olatunji supplemented his income by teaching workshops in African music, dance, and language that were frequented by a new generation of jazz musicians in New York.

Babatunde olatunji biography of martin: Master drummer, educator, and Pan-Africanist,

The burgeoning "free jazz" movement incorporated African polyrhythms into its forms, and West African echoes became standard in new music from John Coltrane, Yusef Lateef, and Clark Terry, among others. Coltrane even dedicated a song, "Tunji," to Olatunji, and the last concert the avant-garde saxophonist gave before his death in was at the Olatunji Center.

Gave Drumming Seminars Olatunji continued to release records on the Columbia label for a few years in the s, but he still struggled financially. He even thought about moving back to Nigeria at one point. But his influence in the counterculture deepened, heightened by a new interest in traditional drumming as a path to spiritual self-awareness, and he found extra work teaching at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.

In the s he gave more than 2, performances across American college campuses and abroad as well.