Anthology

Babatunde Lea’s experience as a master percussionist has spanned 50 years during which he has worked with Van Morrison, McCoy Tyner and many more. Inspired by African drum and world music, Lea is known for his versatility and his spirited drumming.

Lea began drumming at age 11 after attending an African drumming concert in his hometown of Engelwood, New Jersey. By high school, he was playing conga drums at the professional level. At 16 he played on his first professional recording session for Ed Townsend.

In the early 1970s Lea hit his stride in New York City performing regularly with such high profile artists as Leon Thomas, Oscar Brown Jr., and Eddie “Gua Gua” Rivera. It was in 1977 that Babatunde migrated to the West Coast where he settled in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was not long before Babatunde became a vital figure in the Bay Areas music scene as the first call drummer for musicians seeking a dynamic and passionate drumming that he brings to the music.