Track Listing

1. Akiwowo [Chant to the Trainman]
2. Oya [Cult Rhythm]
3. Odun de! Odun de! [Happy New Year]
4. Jin-Go-Lo-Ba [Drums of Passion]
5. Kiyakiya [Why Do You Run Away?]
6. Baba Jinde [Flirtation Dance]
7. Oyin Momo Ado [Sweet as Honey]
8. Shango [Chant to the God of Thunder]

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #158061 in Music
• Released on: 1990-10-05
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
When he first appeared on the scene in America, Babatunde Olatunji was acclaimed by artists such as John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie; later, his influence was acknowledged by Carlos Santana and the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart. As influential as this breakthrough record has been, it is delightfully unassuming, simply a straightforward excursion into the rhythms of Nigeria. "Akiwowo" is a joyful evocation of the rhythms that are created by a moving freight train. "Oya", "Jin-Go-Lo-Ba," and "Shango" all feature drumming of fiery intensity. Make no mistake, this recording is about rhythm and percussion, but don't overlook the fact that Olatunji has a distinctive and powerful voice. He uses it to fine effect on a number of pieces on Drums of Passion, at times soaring above the drums, then joining in harmony with others in his troupe. This is a rewarding album that truly deserves the decades of popularity it has enjoyed. --Jeff Grubb

Customer Reviews

Drumming up passion in the 8th grade
I teach 8th grade in an urban, primarily African American Charter School. I like to open my kids up to a variety of cultural experiences, ranging from their own backgrounds to those very foreign to them. One of the ways that I do this is through music. Well, my kids love "Drums of Passion" so much, that one of them apparently took it home and forgot to return it, so I am here to order another...they listen to this CD so much that they know the words "by heart", even if they don't quite understand them. It is a pleasure to watch them voluntarily play Olatunji's music, rather than beg to listen to popular favorites...if your percussion can win the hearts of 13 year olds, you've got to have something going!

BEST CD I HAVE EVER EVER EVER BOUGHT!!!!
IF u are a fan of traditional uncorrupted african drum music, this is the absolute best cd to get. The only problem is that it is pretty short at 37min running time. but it is still worth it.

THE ORIGINAL PARTY MUSIC
THIS MUSIC ON A GOOD STEREO SYSTEM IS GUARANTEED TO GET YOU MOVING TO THE MUSIC, AND THE DRUMS WILL WILL BRING DOWN THE PLASTER ON YOUR CEILING! CRANK IT UP AND PARTY!