Baoku Moses Okodoro Oro
The excellent debut CD from Nigerian-born Cincinnati transplant Baoku Moses was inspired by African music icon Fela Kuti and other AfroBeat artists. Fans of Kuti will be magnetically drawn to Moses' similar vibe, as he effortlessly blends traditional African sounds with Western Jazz and Pop influences. The disc is stunningly accomplished, showing Moses to be a master of his craft despite only first journeying into the world of AfroBeat about seven years ago. Okodoro Oro is a truly remarkable achievement that could and should push Baoku Moses to the upper echelon of his field. (MB)
Baoku Moses: Press
Baoku Moses releases debut CD
By Mike Breen
AfroBeat Magnificence
Okodoro Oro, the astounding debut CD from Cincinnati transplant Baoku Moses, will be released this Saturday in conjunction with a concert and cultural event at the Syrian Shrine Temple (217 William Howard Taft Road, Corryville). Besides celebrating the disc's release, Moses' group, African Image Arts Organization, will also be on hand to promote and educate attendees about the many facets of African culture through exhibitions and displays. The Nigerian-born Moses -- also a professional African drummer -- was inspired by African music icon Fela Kuti and other AfroBeat artists. Fans of Kuti will be magnetically drawn to Moses' similar vibe, as he effortlessly blends traditional African sounds with Western Jazz and Pop influences. The disc is stunningly accomplished, showing Moses to be a master of his craft despite only journeying into the world of AfroBeat about seven years ago. The disc was produced by Rob Fetters (Raisins, The Bears, psychodots), who enlisted local musicians like Chris Arduser and Randy Villars (and himself, on guitar and bass) to help bring to life Moses' textural, vibrant and passionate songs. Okodoro Oro is a truly remarkable achievement that could and should push Baoku Moses to the upper echelon of his field. The event kicks off at 5 p.m.
Baoku Moses, "Okodoro Oro" -- Cincinnati could, indeed, use a little more world beat and we got it thanks to this Nigerian who moved to Norwood three years ago. His creative use of native percussion instruments and Afro-Cuban rhythms mixed with strains of American pop and jazz is a masterpiece that deserves recognition way beyond Cincinnati on the world beat scene. Moses utilizes local players ranging from horn men Randy Villars and Gary Winter to psychodot guitarist Rob Fetters, who produced the effort.
Biography:
Baoku Moses is a Yoruban native from Nigeria living in Cincinnati, Ohio (United States). He’s a multi talented professional artist.
Baoku started his artistic career in 1994, as an actor at Ajumobi Theater Group (Lagos, Nigeria). He proceeded to Odunfa Theater Organization (Lagos, Nigeria) in 1995, where he continued as an actor and a drummer under the direction of Araosan, Ogogo, Yinka Quadri, Abey Lanre, and Kaka. In 1996 Baoku joined Ivory Ambassadors, (N. A. C. A. C.) National Theater Iganmu Lagos, Nigeria, under the direction of Steve James Eshemokhai. Performing with Ivory Ambassadors exposed Baoku to the unique cultures of numerous Nigerian/African tribes. Baoku has participated in numerous productions locally, nationally and internationally.
Baoku discovered his ability for composition in 1994 after joining Ajumobi Theater Group. He had a talent for Afro beat music, and started composing songs in 1997, immediately after the passing away of Afro beat legend Fela Anikulpo Kuti. Since then Baoku has composed over sixty Afro beat songs.
Afro beat, a musical combination of western jazz with African instrument and languages is a musical expression of peace, love, unity, truth and justice. Baoku uses Afro beat to preach, teach, entertain and educate about the issues facing all of humanity. As an African drummer, Baoku integrates additional African drums into his compositions which makes Baoku’s Afro beat music unique. Baoku uses the power of music "to promote unity helping to make the world a more beautiful, respectful and peaceful place to live."
Baoku’s debut CD is Okodoro Oro[The Realistic Reality]. Currently, Baoku is the Creative Coordinator of African Image Arts Organization (Cincinnati, Ohio), an African arts and culture organization established to “Preserve, Protect and Promote African Image and Heritage”.
Baoku plans to create a 30-person Afro beat band to take Afro beat music around the world.
Official Web Site: www.baokutcr.com & www.africanimagearts.org