MUSICAL TIME-TRAVEL REVIEW: Babatunde Olatunji — Drums Of Passion

My musical time-travel machine is on the move again, zipping through my playlist. Magically, I’ve came across a perfect African traditional album music from 1960. Follow me! — let’s embark on a fiery journey back into time.

Artist: Babatunde Olatunji 

Album: Drums of Passion 

Release date: February 15, 1960

Label: Columbia records

Genre: African traditional music, Apala

Producer: Teo Macero, John Hammond, Sr.

Country: Nigeria 🇳🇬

I’ve had this album since I was eighteen, and it remains one of my favorite albums of all time. “Drums of Passion” is a rich soundscape of our African ancestors. Although this album was recorded in America, it is authentically and genuinely African.  This album was created by a posse of talented percussionists and vocalist. “Drums of Passion” is filled with energetic traditional west African drumming and  frenzied Yoruba chants. “Drums of Passion” is a gift for the twenty-first century African. 

The instrumentation on this album is earthy, hypnotic and powerful, and keeps the listener up, dancing. The energy on this album is consistent from start to finish. I love how instruments blend effortlessly, creating a rich and freewheeling musical tapestry.  All the instruments flow majestically. Audibly, listeners hear the sekere (rattle), bell ( agogô) and talking drums frolic around in a stimulating manner. 

The soundscape on “Drums of passion” is transportive and pours you into a vibrant womb of endless African rhythmic legacy. 

This album is a flawless, earthy, hypnotic and fiery project. 

Click the link below to listen to the entire “Drums of Passion” album on YouTube:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fBFuO5T3leU