The Bay Area's own West African Highlife Band, led by Ken Okulolo, is renowned for their Nigerian "highlife" dance classics. Rich vocal harmonies, intertwining guitars, and exciting percussion characterize their unique music.  The Band, in addition to Baba Ken Okulolo, includes Soji Odukogbe, Rasaki Aladokun, Pope Flyne, Nii Armah Hammond, and Lemi Barrow - an all-star group of distinguished West African music veterans.  Highlife music ruled the West African club scene before the disco era, and this special band pays tribute to its pioneers - come, bring your dancing feet and enjoy the intense, intoxicating and joyful music!

Baba Ken Okulolo, Producer/Bandleader, was first seen in the US with King Sunny Ade's African Beats.  He was five times voted Nigeria's best bassist by that country's music journalists.  Deeply rooted in traditional village music, as a youth he was bassist for several great highlife bands, including that of the highlife master, Victor Olaiya and the seminal Afro-rock band Monomono.  He also leads the modern Afro-beat band Kotoja, and the acoustic group The Nigerian Brothers.

Soji Odukogbe, Nigerian, was for five years the lead guitarist for the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti.  He draws on an extensive background in Nigerian Afro-beat, highlife, and spirtual music, bringing a unique sensibility to his highlife guitar interpretations.

Pope Flyne, Ghanaian performer/composer/educator, is best known as lead vocalist for the legendary Sweet Talks band of Ghana, where he brought the art of highlife music to new heights.  When not on stage, he shares his joyful spirit and vast knowledge of African folk music, dancing and percussion with his legions of American students.

Nii Armah Hammond, a present and founding member of the original Ghanaian group Hedzoleh Soundz, which recorded several unforgettable hit albums with Hugh Masekela. Nii Armah  Hammond is considered "The Chief" of authentic highlife percussion.

Lemi Barrow, trap drummer, brings a special, vibrant flavor to West African highlife music, brewed from his years of performing and wide experience with African, Brazilian and African-American musicians.

Rasaki Aladokun, Nigerian master talking-drummer/percussionist, he has toured for many years as lead talking drummer with King Sunny Ade.  He is known for his spicy licks on a wide variety of African percussion instruments.


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