Nigerian · London

Richard Olatunde Baker

"Richard Ọlátundé Baker is the go-to Guru for drumming workshops, music production, sourcing, buying, making and repairing traditional African percussion" Born and raised in the UK of English-Nigerian parentage, I grew up listening to mostly African music and later developed a strong interest in various experimental / avant garde genres. My musical journey began aged 11, as a self-taught guitarist, although I naturally gravitated towards drums during my early twenties. I was lucky to be trained by traditional Yoruba talking drum masters, many of whom featured on the records I'd listened to as a youth. I also worked with many other African Pro-percussionists in the 1990's. My drumming foundations are firmly rooted in playing frequently at all-night African community events and in African Theatre in the UK. Notably, I'm an accomplished studio engineer/producer, having originally trained at London's old Matrix Studios network. I gained priceless experience working with a wide array of top engineers, producers and major artists from around the world. All my studio work is now freelance. In the current climate I now offer remote recording sessions. I dedicate my working life to my two main passions: African Drumming and Music Technology, both of which I teach regularly. Artists I've worked with include​ Tony Allen, Mulatu Astatke, Seun Kuti, Sting, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Natty, to name a few. I love to perform, record, travel and share my enthusiasm with others.Renowned for his sessions and performances with acclaimed African, Jazz and Electronica artists around the globe,