A Tribute to Babafemi Akinlana

Babafemi is walking, talking, drum playing history. Al "Babafemi" Humphries has been playing drums for over 56 years. His is the story of the reintroduction of Africanism into American mainstream culture. I am honored to say that this Tata in Palo and priest of Obatala in Ocha is a mentor and friend. I will be writing an extensive biography about Baba for these pages. His story will read like a who's who of percussion as he has played with such world renown figures as Katherine Dunham and Olatunji to name but a few. Here we have many of his students paying tribute to him the POINT CDC in the Bronx where he has resided for many years. Babaila is on lead vocal. The rest of the group consists of myself, Angel Rodriguez and Dafadi on drums, Jimmy Cruz on bell and Kali Ramirez and Chano Rodriguez on shekere. Date: 7/20/02

Rumba at the POINT C.D.C.

The Hunt's Point section of the Bronx is home to the Point CDC, a great community action center involved in many issues affecting the quality of life of South Bronx residents. The Point gave Angel Rodriguez, percussionist extraordinaire a forum for teaching his skills to the children and even some adults in the neighborhood. It was called All America Is Drumming. Angel also created the Living Legends tribute series where over 35 of our major artist were honored for their contributions. More on that later. This night which occured in February of 1999, featured Rumba and included Jose "Apache" Rivera on vocal and clave, Angel Rodriguez on tumbadora, myself on tres golpe and Jose "Mongo" Rivera on quinto.