Olatunji: In Search of the Lost Rhythm

[Bachikaze]

No matter how many examples I hear of the drumming of the African Diaspora, the album that I first became familiar with is still my favorite: the 1959 Drums of Passion by Babatunde Olatunji. The tones of the drums and the rhythms are what define African Diaspora drumming for me. I used to assume that some of the drums were congas; a few sound just like them, but I have seen photos of the drums they used and they are mostly African drums made from banded slatted barrels. A couple are shaped like congas.

A little background—it was recorded in three sessions with four drummers and twelve woman singers, who also played some percussion. Only Olatunji was actually from Africa; the others were born in the Americas. They sang in Yoruba, a language the Americans didn't know until they started performing with the Drums of Passion group. The other three drummers were Montego Joe, Taiwo Duval, and Chief Bey, and Chief Bey was also a singer. His bass voice is a highlight of the album. Of the drummers, only Duval is still alive today and still plays.

The album was a huge success. Santana covered one of the songs, which they called "Jingo". It was the only song Olatunji owned all the rights to. Olatunji, in his biography, said that the songs were tradtional from Nigeria, but he wrote the rhythms. I can see that, because they don't sound like any traditional rhythms of that region that I know of.

One particular rhythm that I love is the most frequent on the album. It is the basis for "Akiwowo", "Kiya Kiya", and "Oyin Momo Ado". I have heard similar rhythms in many places, from '50s rock ("Tequila") to The Doors ("Break on Through") to John Mayall ("Room to Move") to Saturday morning cartoons ("George of the Jungle").

My question for you all: is there a name for this rhythm? I've heard it referred to as "Akiwowo", but I wonder, since it appeared in "Tequila" three years before Olatunji's album, if it comes from somewhere else. Does anyone know the background of this rhythm. Someone has suggested it is related to samba. It does have some elements of the Sergio Mendez song, "Mas Que Nada". But I think there are some important differences.

Can anyone help me?
Thanks.

[Congadelica]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y21xynbj ... re=related
I know it dont answer your question but .

I like this version

[Bachikaze]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y21xynbjlqg&feature=related
I know it dont answer your question but .

I like this version

Thanks. I have seen the video, but your post reminded me to send the link to my friend who is a shekere master.

The song done this way could have answered my question. If it were a version that predated the Drums of Passion album, and it had a similar rhythm, it might give a clue to the origin. But, these women learned the song from Olatunji himself.