Akbank Jazz Festival: Tony Allen "tribute To Art Blakey" at Babylon

Drummer, composer, and songwriter of Nigerian origin, Tony Allen, learned how to play drums on his own by listening to legendary drummers such as Art Blakey and Max Roach. In the midst of the 1960s, together with the human rights activist and political musician Fela Kuti, he created the “Afrobeat” movement – a blend of traditional African music, jazz and funk – which became very popular both in Africa and in the US. “Without Tony Allen, there would not be an Afrobeat” are the words of Kuti on Allen, who later on combined his Afrobeat genre with rock and hip-hop, collaborating with musicians such as Doctor L, Manu Dibango and Ray Lemaand Roy Ayers...

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Drummer, composer, and songwriter of Nigerian origin, Tony Allen, learned how to play drums on his own by listening to legendary drummers such as Art Blakey and Max Roach. In the midst of the 1960s, together with the human rights activist and political musician Fela Kuti, he created the “Afrobeat” movement – a blend of traditional African music, jazz and funk – which became very popular both in Africa and in the US. “Without Tony Allen, there would not be an Afrobeat” are the words of Kuti on Allen, who later on combined his Afrobeat genre with rock and hip-hop, collaborating with musicians such as Doctor L, Manu Dibango and Ray Lemaand Roy Ayers. Having played with pioneer bands such as “The Good, The Bad and The Queen” and “Rocket Juice & the Moon”, Allen continues to be an active musician at the age of 75 and having played on over 70 albums so far. Quoted by Brian Eno as “Probably the best living drummer”, Tony Allen will play for the legend “Art Blakey” who has been an inspiration to him.

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