Baba Ayinde

You should expect to see a seasoned experienced drummer perform smoothly and joyfully.
If I choose to perform at your event, you can expect an engaging performance. I will be in costume and prepared for what we agreed to do. I am flexible to change and adaptable so that I will make your event run as a success.

Artist Statement
I have been making African drums for the past 45+ years. I have been honored by being taught the art of drum making by the original drum masters of the first generation of African drummers in North America, Mr. Kolowole Balogun (Master drummer of the Chuck Davis Dance Company (now located in Durham, NC) original lead drummer of the now world renowned dance company).

The drum is the most primordial instrument known to man. It is fundamentally a part of the very beginning of the art of music making. The African drum, of course, is one of the oldest known drumming art forms. The drum known as Djembe is now the hand drum of choice. The Ashiko is lesser known drum type (of Congolese origin) but it is now becoming more and more common and selected as a drum form. The past years I produced ashiko drums, slit drums, and tongue drums in my maker space . Last year, I added the production of djembe drums in my maker space which was a major move forward for my drum manufacturing company. This year, I added regular drum students to my activities. This has served to enhance my presence in the local dance community as I develop my shop and my students. I look forward to continuing to design and develop my expertise here in my C3 Lab maker space. I value the opportunity to design and produce beautiful African drums as a member of this artist community.

Freddie works with the Charlotte Ballet Community Engagement program during the school year. This program extends to local public school students that are interested in ballet, modern and African dance. Classes taught by Charlotte Ballet professional dance teachers are conducted in local recreation centers near the community the students live in. Freddie Rivera is the drummer for the African dance classes for this community program.

Freddie Rivera is a member of Movement Migration owned by Professor Kim Jones, University of NC at Charlotte, Dance Department. He is the drummer for a senior health program offered at a Huntersville community center on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Therapeutic program is enhanced with drumming which enhances the service being offered to these local seniors.

In addition, Freddie Rivera is a part of Charlotte Culture Blocks. He the drummer for Tyvola Seniors Monday senior dance class. This is an ongoing program to enhance the quality of life of local seniors that utilize the Tyvola Senior Center in Charlotte NC

My performance will be best if certain basics are included.
* bottled water
My work is physical. Access to water to rehydrate after the performance is a simple way to make my experience better.
* dressing area, either a room or a bathroom to freshen up, change costumes, prepare or rehearse, store drum for safety and security
an example is a previous gig where there was no area for dressing or just sitting. I waited in a stairwell which was hot and humid (this was in the August heat) It was raining and there was no air conditioning in the area where I waited. My main drum reacted to the heat and humidity and ripped right in front of me. The skin of the drum is goat and reacts to change in temperature and high humidity. The drum popped like a toy gun off and the top of it ripped open just before the performance started. I was able to adapt on the spot to cover the drum with an available towel and play during the performance. It was okay, but my main drum was out of commission until I replaced the torn drum head.

* a complementary plate of the available menu is always appreciated. It's just a nice courtesy to enjoy!

* a clean comfortable chair in a area with a little space to play that allows for elbow room.
In a crowded room, I need space to play freely on the drum. People standing around me or over me makes the experience no so good for me if I am crowded. Also, those enjoying the drum don't see me or hear me if people crowd around. It does affect my playing and the audience's view.