Baba Crowder Remembered



Baba Crowder
1930-2012


A world class drummer,  Baba Robert Crowder has made transition to ancestor on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012. He was 82.

Baba Crowder began drumming as a child in North Philadelphia in the late 1930s. Africa attracted him even then, and he sought out every opportunity to hear the rhythms of home.Inspired by acclaimed percussionists from around the world, such as Ladji Camara of Guinea, Chano Pozo and Desi Arnaz of Cuba, and Saka Acquaye of Ghana, he began to to see commonalties between African music from different places, and began "searching for our lost heritage."





Courtesy: The Philadelphia Folklore Project

One of the first African American drummers in Philadelphia to study batá drumming, Crowder has long been in the vanguard of an African cultural renaissance in Philadelphia. BabaCrowder founded a dance and drum ensemble Kule Mele: African Dance and Drum Ensemble and played with many renowned musicians, including saxophonist John Coltrane and pianist McCoy Tyner.

Mr. Crowder dedicated his life to African drumming, leaving a vast legacy in Philadelphia.

A celebration of Baba Crowder will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2013, 2pm – 5pm. The Memorial Service will be held at the Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia 19106.

For more, see KuleMele.org