Rasaki Aladokun, a man with an infectious laugh, is a master drummer from Nigeria who comes from the Yorubá ethnic group. Born and raised in Nigeria, he toured the world with King Sunny Adé (the "King of Juju Music") before settling down with his wife and children in Oakland, California. The half-hour documentary:
• reminds us that Africa is an extremely diverse continent;
• demonstrates some of the broader significance of drums and drumming;
• gives background on the customs/cuture of an ethnic group that has also been important in America.
"A must see for percussionists and people interested in African Music."
--Martin Meissonier, founder of Island Records, promoter, and playwright
"...highly captivating."
--Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, Vice-Chancellor, Ojaja University, Nigeria
This documentary, part of our series-in-progress, Speaking of Rhythm, has screened in several festivals. We can present it as part of an event, and in June will release it for sale to the Educational market. Price will vary according to size of institution; check the SHOP-RESERVE button at the top.
Like most Yorubá, Rasaki comes from a farming community. In the film, he demonstrates the "talking drum," the batá, and others and explains how they fit into the society and culture in which he was raised - fascinating stuff!
He and his drums show us something about an important group of people in West Africa who have also influenced America. Many African Americans in the United States have Yorubá roots. In some Latin American countries, an even larger part of the population is descended from Yorubá and the traditional religion Rasaki follows is practiced (with some modifications) by many people.
