Flaming Drums!

by Olatunji

Flaming Drums! cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1962
  • Label: Columbia
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Length: 34:11
  • Community rating: 3.69/5 from 3 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Following the massive cultural impact of his debut, Babatunde Olatunji returned with 'Flaming Drums!', further establishing the template for Afro-jazz fusion in the West. The record heavily features traditional Yoruba drumming rhythms interwoven with brass arrangements, effectively popularizing African percussion for an American audience. It served as a critical educational tool and inspirational source for the burgeoning civil rights and Pan-African movements.

Genres

Descriptors: rhythmic, percussive, instrumental, traditional, call-and-response, dance

Tracklist

  1. Abana (4:14)
  2. African Spiritual (2:47)
  3. Uhuru (10:55)
  4. Mystery of Love (6:25)
  5. Adofo (3:14)
  6. Hail the King (6:33)

Credits

  • Babatunde Olatunji - primary artist
  • Fred Karlin - arranged by, conductor

More from Olatunji: full discography