Nigerian double Grammy award winning master percussionist, Lekan Babalola has released the second single ‘Your Highness’ off his upcoming album Lakaaye.
A follow up to ‘Whirlwind’ ft. Jay L’Booth released earlier in the year. Babalola, signed to Temple Management Company presents his self produced sophomore single featuring UK based rapper RTKAL. ‘Your Highness (Fela)’ the music video is directed by Lanre Fagbemi.
The progression of the fast paced song with flowing chants of ‘Fela’, a name synonymous with Afrobeat, personifies the tune put together by Babalola’s Sacred funk Project with Alvin Davis -Tenor Saxophone, Kate Luxmoore – Bass Clarinet, Christos Stylliandies – Trumpet and Dave Sear on trombone. The vibes of this song can be described as jazz with a funky twist garnished in Afrobeat, the outstanding horn sessions give the song an exhilarating blast.
The music video of ‘Your Highness (Fela)’ is beautifully set in the Campos Square area of Lagos Island (a popular spot Babalola frequents), Abeokuta, ending with shots taken at the Afrika Shrine in Lagos. It is a nostalgic video romanticizing the life of the Nigerian in its raw state. Lekan Babalola is well known for his innovative musical style, using his native Yoruba infused with traditional music, Afrobeat and funky dance overtones.
Lekan Babalola has worked with international artists such as David Byrne, Damon Albarn, Tony Allen, Ernest Ranglin, Branford Marsalis, and recently African Jazz All Stars, Roy Ayers, The Kate Luxmoore Group, Joshua Redman, The KLLB Band, Axelle Red, Pinse Saul, Queen Salawa Abeni, Jean Toussaint and many others.
Babalola was awarded his first Grammy in 2006 for performances on the late Ali Farka Toure’s album In the Heart of the Moon, receiving credit on three songs. He was awarded a second at the 49th Grammy awards in 2009 for his work as Associate Producer on American jazz diva Cassandra Wilson’s album Loverly.