Remi Kabaka, born in Lagos, Nigeria, is a percussionist whose work contributed to the global recognition of African rhythms. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kabaka had become known for integrating traditional African percussion with jazz, pop, and fusion styles, enabling collaborations with Nigerian and international artists. His work helped demonstrate the versatility of African drumming in both local and global music contexts.
EXPLORE NOW: Military Era & Coups in Nigeria
Kabaka’s career mirrors the broader trajectory of Nigerian percussion in the post-independence era, when Lagos became a hub for musical experimentation. During this period, genres such as Afrobeat, highlife, juju, and fusion flourished, with artists like Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, and Kabaka shaping the sound and identity of modern Nigerian music.
Key Collaborations
Kabaka’s most widely documented international collaboration was his contribution to Paul Simon’s Rhythm of the Saints (1990), which incorporated African percussion into a Western pop framework. The album received acclaim for blending world rhythms with mainstream music, illustrating how Nigerian percussion could be both authentic and globally accessible.
Within Nigeria, Kabaka was active in supporting Afrobeat and fusion ensembles, performing with leading musicians and contributing to recordings that showcased traditional rhythms. While unverified claims exist regarding collaborations with certain Western rock artists, his influence is clear in the increasing presence of Nigerian percussionists in international recordings and performances during this era.
Economic and Social Context
Kabaka’s prominence coincided with a period of economic and cultural transformation in Nigeria. Lagos emerged as a centre of the creative industries, with recording studios, live music venues, and production companies supporting both local economies and the export of Nigerian culture.
Musicians like Kabaka contributed to national identity, urban culture, and Nigeria’s international image. They provided employment opportunities in performance, recording, and music production. Kabaka’s integration of traditional rhythms with contemporary forms helped professionalise Nigerian percussion, establishing drummers as respected contributors to local and global music.
Global Influence and Postcolonial Context
Kabaka’s career illustrates the hybridisation of Nigerian music with global influences. Nigeria’s colonial history exposed musicians to Western instruments and educational practices, while post-independence cultural dynamism encouraged experimentation. Kabaka harnessed these influences to produce music that was rooted in African rhythmic traditions but accessible to international audiences.
His work demonstrates the role of Nigerian percussionists in global music networks, participating in recordings, touring ensembles, and collaborative projects. This engagement helped shape Western perceptions of African music and paved the way for future generations of Nigerian artists to operate internationally.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Remi Kabaka’s musical legacy continues through his son, Remi Kabaka Jr., a contemporary percussionist and music producer. Kabaka Jr. is known for his contributions to the virtual band Gorillaz, including performing as the voice of Russel Hobbs, and his production work with DRC Music. These activities extend the family tradition of blending African percussion with modern music forms.
The senior Kabaka’s influence is also visible in the ongoing integration of African percussion into jazz, rock, electronic, and world music globally. By demonstrating the versatility of Nigerian drumming, he helped position the country’s percussionists as internationally recognised artists, encouraging broader appreciation of African rhythmic traditions.
Remi Kabaka represents a pivotal figure in the globalisation of Nigerian percussion. His work, particularly on Paul Simon’s Rhythm of the Saints, introduced African rhythms to international audiences while maintaining cultural authenticity. Kabaka’s career reflects the broader development of Nigerian music in the postcolonial era, highlighting the interplay between local traditions, global influences, and professional innovation.
Through his artistry, Kabaka helped bridge Nigerian percussion with international music, demonstrating how traditional rhythms could thrive in modern and cross-cultural contexts. His contributions continue to inspire musicians both within Nigeria and abroad, underscoring the country’s enduring presence in the global music scene.
READ MORE: Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
Author’s Note
This article presents a verified overview of Remi Kabaka’s career and influence. His work illustrates the capacity of Nigerian percussion to shape global music, facilitate cultural exchange, and inspire future generations. Studying Kabaka provides insight into Nigeria’s musical evolution and the integration of African rhythms into contemporary international music.
References
Paul Simon, Rhythm of the Saints, Warner Bros. Records, 1990
Waterman, C., Juju: A Social History and Ethnography of an African Popular Music, University of Chicago Press, 1990
Veal, M., Fela: The Life and Times of an African Musical Icon, Temple University Press, 2000
