Celebrating local dance, theatre and art in the Dallas Arts District.
KUBOYE PRESENTS
June 14, 2025
BABA
ROOM FOR THE ENTIRE CAST
The Dallas–Fort Worth Lexus Dealers are proud to be the O cial Vehicle Sponsor of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and its resident companies. Through this dynamic partnership, Lexus is committed to supporting the Center and its Dallas Arts District neighbors in establishing Dallas as one of the world’s premier destinations to experience the performing and visual arts.
BABA KUBOYE PRESENTS
CULTURAL CANVAS - AFROBEATS VIBES
Music Director: AJ Brown
Lighting: Jesus Rodriguez Patlan
Audio/Sound: David Karigo
Choreographer: Chelsea Chizoba Orisakwe and Marcella Momoh
Costume: All costumes are merchandise from Baba Kuboye’s clothing line ‘Ikoyi Boy’ and ‘Kalakuta Girl’ .
Purchase only available during live performances.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Cultural Canvas: The Album's Essence
The Inspiration Behind the Album
My album is a celebration of African heritage and culture, drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of West and Southern Africa. It encompasses a diverse range of elements - messages, melodies, percussions, rhythms, lyrics, and songwriting styles - that pay homage to these regions. Additionally, the album serves as a journey towards self-discovery, urging listeners to focus on their inner selves and immediate surroundings. I believe that true clarity in interacting with the world comes from understanding oneself first. Songs that encapsulate this theme include "Soft Life," "Konko," "Undeniable," and "Igbala."
Why I Created This Album
The motivation behind this album stems from the historical disconnection Africans have faced from their own culture. Over centuries, our languages, belief systems, and cultures have been overshadowed by Western influences. Despite being based in the USA, I make it a point to collaborate with African creatives, thereby providing them with opportunities to hone their craft and support their families.
My Musical Lineage
I come from a family rich in musical heritage, spanning multiple generations of documented musical works and community service. Instead of featuring established artists, I chose to connect with my ancestral roots, drawing inspiration from my late uncle Fela Kuti and incorporating original Afrobeat elements into the new Afropop sound. I also collaborated with my sister, who provided backup vocals for two songs, "Konko" and "Chilling," and explored vocal styles reminiscent of my late mother. She was an afro jazz singer whilst my dad was an afro jazz bass player. They both ran a band called the Extended Family Jazz band. The band was resident at a night club that doubled as my home. My great great grandfather JJ Ransome Kuti was a gospel artist and wrote some of the most famous Nigerian gospel songs known today like ‘Ise oluwa, ko le ba je o’.
The Creative Process
The album is a blend of upbeat, energetic songs, each carrying a message of positivity through conscious and intentional lyrics. I took creative risks, stepping out of my comfort zone and experimenting with various styles, such as UK rap drill, live big band recordings, spoken word, and new instruments like the tenor saxophone. I also explored emerging genres like Amapiano in two songs, "Chilling" and "Konko."I released “Konko” first because I want people to dance out of the gate on this album.
SONG LIST
ACT I
Soft life
Konko
Yawa
Aiye
Undeniable
Ikoyi Boy
Dey for you
Parara (sax appeal)
Cool it down
Hustle
INTERMISSION
ACT II
Gbona
Wa Zo Bia
Kalakuta girl
Chilling
Carry Go
Yes Sir
Robo Dance
To the groove
Tonight
BIOS
Anthony “AJ” Brown is an accomplished and classically trained bassist known for his exceptional talent and passion for music production and arrangement. AJ has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Music Performance.
AJ’s meticulous attention to detail and innate musicality enable him to craft captivating and technically brilliant music that deeply resonates with audiences. He possesses a versatile expertise that spans multiple genres, effortlessly navigating the realms of jazz, gospel, rock, country, R&B, and rap, while collaborating and performing with esteemed artists, such as Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Whalum, Snoop Dogg, Kirk Franklin, and Tauren Wells. In addition to his performing career, AJ serves as the Musical Director at The Potter’s House of North Dallas.
S-Ankh Rasa has been playing music from a very early age. As a child prodigy, he attended the University of California at Berkeley at the age of 12 and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music at 15 years old. He performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival with Dizzy Gillespie and The Modern Jazz Quartet when he was 16 years old. He continued his career as a touring and recording musician in Los Angeles for many years, performing with various artists including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Barbara Streisand, Ray Charles, Earth, Wind, and Fire and many others. As a percussionist, Mr. Rasa toured with legendary African djembe drummer Mamady Keita and played kora (African harp) with Morikeba Kouyate. Mr. Rasa is an accomplished composer who has written original scores for films, recordings, and many theater companies, including Dallas Children's Theater and Cara Mia Theatre Company. Mr. Rasa's unique insight into music has given him the ability to teach all ages and experience levels the intricacies of rhythm, pitch, and orchestration through his African Drum Orchestra, Vocal Orchestra, and Baroque Recorder workshops. Mr. Rasa
is currently commissioned to compose music for a jazz orchestra and a 30-member cello orchestra.
Salako Music, born Tia Falls, is from Dallas, TX, and the mother of two children, a son and a daughter! Raised as a dancer, Salako attended W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy for dance, and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts for dance. She grew up singing but did not necessarily like dancing publicly. Dance injuries ended that chapter of her life, and she began singing publicly, which led to writing music, which she has now been doing for over 15 years. Salako describes herself as a “Gumbo Pot of different feels and styles of music” but reggae is her favorite. She is a seasoned performer and has appeared with The Idrenz, Jah Born & Tha Beatitudes, and Dos Negros, among others. As a solo artist, Salako Music has released an EP project and a single titled “I Know You”, which can be found on all music platforms. Salako is proud to have competed twice on the Tiny Desk website and has additional solo projects coming soon. She has had the pleasure of singing in Accra, Ghana, and plans to continue traveling the world to spread her music. Her primary goal and dream is to Heal the World through her music. Ase!
Temmy Benson is a seasoned professional bass player originally from West Africa, Nigeria. He has performed alongside and supported renowned musicians both in Nigeria and the United States. Known for his craftsmanship, Temmy is always eager to grow and refine his musical expertise. Follow him on Instagram: @ emancipation_16
Brandon Conley is a trumpet player and producer based in the DFW area. He graduated from the University of North Texas last year and is now finding his groove, aiming to work with some of the world’s top musicians.
Charles Levi Isoza is a contemporary neo-soul jazz guitarist with nearly 20 years of experience crafting soulful, expressive sounds. Originally from Edo State, Nigeria, he grew up in the vibrant city of Warri, where his passion for music was shaped by a mix of local rhythms and global influences. Over the years, Charles developed a unique style blending rich African textures with the smooth grooves of neo-soul and the improvisational spirit of jazz. His music tells stories of culture, life, and emotion, aiming to connect deeply with listeners worldwide emotion, aiming to connect deeply with listeners around the world.
Chelsea Chizoba Orisakwe is a Nigerian-American, and Afrobeats runs deep in her roots. It is more than music. It is movement, joy, and connection. Growing up around the rhythms of Afrobeat and traditional sounds shaped not only her love for dance but also her identity. Her performance blends Afrobeats with traditional Nigerian dance, celebrating both the modern and the ancestral. Chelsea is thrilled that you are here, allowing her to share a part of her culture with you.
Babajide Dada is an IT professional and musician with a passion for merging technology and creativity. With expertise in systems management, multimedia production, and live event technology, he brings a unique perspective to problem-solving and digital innovation. As a musician, Babajide draws on rhythm and performance to inform his work, crafting experiences that are both technically sound and artistically engaging.
Rob Knox has played for over 40 years. Originally from Charlotte, NC, he has played drum set in a wide variety of styles in many different bands: metal, jazz, pop, and rock. He moved to Dallas, TX in 2019, where he met many musicians and plays regularly. He also plays other percussion instruments and, as a longtime fan of Fela Kuti, is excited to be part of Baba’s Afrobeat music.
Isaac Olowogbade is a Dallas-based saxophonist known for his soulful tone, smooth phrasing, and dynamic stage presence. With over a decade of performance experience, he blends jazz, R&B, gospel, and contemporary pop to create a sound that connects deeply with audiences. Isaac has performed at weddings, corporate events, private dinners, and venues across the United States and in Africa, both as a solo artist and alongside talented vocalists, bands, and DJs. He has curated live shows at House of Blues Dallas and other premier venues, showcasing his ability not only as a performer but as a creative producer. In addition to performing, Isaac hosts an annual Valentine’s Day concert experience called LOL: Language of Love - a live music event that brings together musicians, couples, and the community to celebrate love through sound. His ability to complement any musical setting - whether delivering a moving solo or locking in with a full ensemble - makes him a trusted and in-demand collaborator. Isaac is also focused on recording, arranging, and creating fresh, modern takes on classic songs. Whether on stage or in the studio, he brings passion, professionalism, and a love for music that resonates with every note.
With a saxophone as his voice, Gabriel “Plato” Olokunwolu explores new sonic worlds — blending Afrobeats, pop, Amapiano, and house into a rich, immersive experience that defies genre. A musician for over a decade, he began his journey on the bass before finding his true expression through the sax, where rhythm meets emotion and tradition meets innovation.
Emmanuel Okoro, AKA Edrumz, is a seasoned drummer/ percussionist with over 25 years of experience spanning Afro-Hip Hop, soul, R&B, reggae, pop, jazz, and Gospel/ Christian music. With a proven track record of high-energy performances and collaborations, Edrumz brings expertise as a drummer, music director, and artist manager. Holding a degree in Petroleum Engineering, Emmanuel uniquely blends technical acumen with artistic passion.
David Karigo is a Kenyan-American sound and lighting engineer based in Dallas, TX. He is the founder and owner of The Dream Entertainment, a company renowned for delivering top-tier audio, video, and lighting services for events of all sizes. With a strong reputation in the live production industry, David has served as Front-of-House engineer for acclaimed artists such as Maranda Curtis, Nathaniel Bassey, Sinach, Bidemi Olaoba, and many others. His work is rooted in a deep commitment to preserving the authenticity of each artist’s sound and presence, ensuring every performance is experienced at its fullest potential. In addition to his work with artists and events, David serves as the Technical Director at Redeemed Christian Church of God Heaven’s Glorious Embassy Church (RCCG HGE), where he oversees all media operations and maintains the highest standards of production quality. David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts with a minor in Vocals, as well as a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, reflecting his multifaceted skill set and passion for both the creative and human services fields.
Marcella Momoh is a powerhouse dancer and choreographer known for her bold fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and acrobatics - a signature style that’s redefining Afrofusion. She began formal training at age four in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. At sixteen, she began dancing professionally and has since performed for major Afrobeat artists including Rema, Kcee, Omah Lay, P-Square, 2Baba, and many more. Her performances are celebrated for their explosive energy, musical precision, and cultural flair.
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