| Baba Leon has been
drumming since age 10 and has accumulated more than 50 years of musical
experience. His primary focus has been in the realm of hand drumming.
That experience has included playing with many varied types of bands
such as African, Reggae, Rock, Country, Jazz and every thing in
between. Baba Leon's specialty is African and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Babatundi (Michael) Olatunji the Nigerian master and founder of the group “ Drums of Passion “ has been the strongest influence in Leon’s musical career. Gordy Ryan, a 20 year veteran of Drums of Passion has been his mentor and trainer for the past 10 years, focusing on West African culture, rhythms, and dance. He has also trained with a number of prominent drum masters from Africa. Some of those include Papa Ladji Cammera, Godwin Agbele, Mohammed DeCosta, Abu Syla, Mustapha Bengoura, Lansana Diabouta and the Chuck Davis African American Dance Theater. Current activities include collaborations with the Theater and Dance Departments of Santa Fe College, and the University of Florida African drumming and dance ensemble “ Agbedidi. Leon is a co-founder of the African drumming group "The Lost Safari Drummers " ( CDs available at CDbaby.com ) where he continues to act in the capacity of lead performer and group manager. He also has accompanied several jazz groups and a number of guitarists/vocalists. Leon has been an instructor for Santa Fe College community education classes in hand drumming for the past 15 years and also, as an adjunct professor at Santa Fe College conducts credit courses in African and Afro-Caribbean ensemble drumming. Leon has facilitated numerous drum circles and has conducted drumming workshops throughout the state . In addition to these activities Leon owns and operates a small business (LJPercussion) which manufactures, markets, and repairs African drums and accessories. Baba Leon can be
found on the web at
LJPercussion.com contact BabaLeon at babaleon@ljpercussion.com (800) 536-7623 or (352) 373-2430 |
photo by Jim Atyeo
D R U M M E R ' S C R E D O
MAY THE MUSIC
IN YOUR HEAD
BEAT FROM YOUR HEART, AND FLOW
THROUGH YOUR HANDS
THIS DRUM IS YOURS AND YOURS ALONE
LET IT SING
ANOTHER'S DRUM - I SHALL NOT COVET
BUT RATHER REVEL IN ITS SONG
LET IT SING WITH JOY
TOGETHER OUR DRUMS ARE STRONG
MAY THEY BEAT AS ONE
LET THEM SING IN JOY
- Raun Dupuis
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contact Baba Leon at (800) 536-7623 or (352) 373-2430