>> Lekan Babalola
bio: Lekan Babalola is one of the most extraordinary percussionists in jazz and world music today. Lekan 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, Miles Davis, Ernest Ranglin, Roy Ayers, Tony Allen, Branford Marsalis. Pinse Saul, Queen Salawa, Abeni, Axelle Red, Kllb Band, Bola Are, Jean Toussaint, Tessa Souter and remains strong today The album is a double CD featuring 8 original dancefloor afrobeat jazz tracks along with remixes by the top names in the broken beat / leftfield scene such as Bob Sinclair, Mark de Clive Lowe, Afronaught, Misa Negra, IG Culture and Le Pico, thus targeting both the world music and dance markets. The album has already received a lot of coverage in Straight No Chaser magazine and multiple plays on Gilles Peterson Worldwide show on BBC Radio 1 12” SINGLE RELEASES FROM THE ALBUM The first single from the album was "OYA” which was very well received and licensed to the Universal ‘Afrobeat’ compilation. The second single was "ASOKERE" remixed by IG Culture. This was HMV Broken Beat Single of the Week and was an anthem on the scene (particularly with the Co-Op DJs). It was licensed to Bob Sinclair (Yellow Productions). It will also feature on Africanism Vol 3, released through Defected in the UK and appears on Gilles Peterson In Africa compilation 3rd single was "OBAS AWON OBA" remixed by Afronaught vs Misa Negra (for Bugz In The Attic). 4th and final single ‘KABIOYA” feats remixes by Mark De Clive-Lowe and Phil Asher. A guaranteed smash and another Co-op favourite.
