Lekan Babalola is one of the most extraordinary percussionists in jazz and world music today. He started his career playing in the Yoruba christian church owned by his father, Olayiwola Babalola. As his skills as a master percussionist grew, he was invited to join Gasperlawal in 1980. His career continues with performances with the likes of Fela Kuti, Ernest Ranglin, Roy Ayers, Tony Allen, Branford Marsalis. Pinse Saul, Queen Salawa, Abeni, Axelle Red, Kllb Band, Bola Are, Jean Toussaint, Tessa Souter.

Songs of Icon is an unique recording that draws it's musical influences and inspiration from Santeria, an Afrocuban version of 'IFA'. The album will be a double CD featuring remixes of most of the original songs by the top names in the broken beat/ leftfield scene. Thus targeting the world music and dance markets. Remixers include: Mark de Clive Lowe, Afronaut, Misa Negra, IG Culture and Le Pico


"Smoking retro-jazz" Daily Telegraph

"Very cool and fresh crossover appeal to club land funkateers, world music lovers, Afrocuban fans" Straight No Chaser Magazine

"If ever a recording deserved to be required listening for fans of Jazz, African, Dance, Broken Beat and World Music then this is it" Birmingham Evening Mail

CD1 - ORIGINALS:

1. Kabioye
2. Oososi
3. Asok Kere
4. Oya
5. Ide Osun
6. Iya Mase
7. Obalaiye
8. Eru Aiye

CD2 - REMIXES

9. Oya (Broken Beats - Le Pico remix)
10. Oba Awon Oba (Afronaut vs Misa Negra Vocal)
11. Oya (Broken Beats Le Pico remix)
12. Aso-Kere (IG Culture Remix)
13. Oba Awon Oba (Afronaut vs Misa Negra Beatz)
14. Kabioye (Mark de Clive Lowe remix)
15. Aso-Kere (Le Pico Remix)
16. Oba Awon Oba (Afronaut vs Misa Negra Dub)
17. Kabioye (Phil Asher 'Restless Soul' remix)