Ebook: The beat of my drum: An autobiography

Babatunde Olatunji's record album Drums of Passion proclaimed that the time had come for America to recognize Africa's cultural contributions to the music world. Through his many albums and live performances, the Nigerian drummer popularized West African traditional music and spread his message of racial harmony. In this long-awaited autobiography, Olatunji presents his life story and the philosophy that guided him. Olatunji influenced and inspired musicians for more than forty years-from luminaries to music students and the many ordinary people who participated in his drum circles. He writes about rhythm being "the soul of life," and about the healing power of the drum. Ultimately, The Beat of My Drum shows why at the time of his death in 2003, Olatunji had become, according to The New York Times, "the most visible African musician in the United States."

Few involved with hand drumming in the United States have not been touched in some way by Baba, as he was called by those who knew him. He instilled pride in generations of African Americans; he stimulated a popular renaissance in African drumming and dance in the United States; he provided cultural education for black youth across the country; he introduced mainstream America to African drumming; and he spread worldwide messages of peace and love through drumming. These are just some of the more resounding aspects of Olatunji’s legacy, which has touched so many of us.

Unfortunately, he was unable to see the publication of his autobiography. Baba Olatunji passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2003, at the age of seventy-six, in California, after a long battle with diabetes. His obituary notices were published in major newspapers around the world (for example, Pareles 2003; and National Public Radio took note with a special tribute [see Webography]). The testimonials of his students the world over speak to his lasting presence.

Babatunde Olatunji (1927-2003), internationally renowned musician, teacher, and humanitarian, was “teacher in residence” at the Esalen Institute at the time of his death.

Robert Atkinson is Director, Center for the Study of Lives at the University of Southern Maine.

Eric Charry is Associate Professor of Music at Wesleyan University and author of Mande Music: Traditional and Modern Music of the Maninka and Mandinka of Western Africa.