LAGBAJA (Yoruba for somebody, anybody, nobody)

Lagbaja is a very interesting musician that I first came across at WOMAD in Seattle, in 2001. He is a bandleader who aways appears in public masked. This is to highlight and represent the faceless and voiceless people of Africa that never get input into decisions that affect them. Now if you know me, you know that I'd be intrigued by that.

On stage, he handles the mask issue adeptly. Highly colorful, contemporary and attractive costumes, with matching masks, and an ongoing conversation with the audience that is at various times political, informative and humorous. This might all be somewhat gimmicky if not for the fact that his band is a well-drilled and cohesive unit, with plenty of Yoruba-style percussion, and accessible (for me at least) Naija pidgin lyrics. To describe him as a modern Fela is only partially misleading.

Anyway, I mention all of this because

a) That's what this blog is for

b) I came across some photos of his appearance at WOMAD that I took which I hope to soon have online, and...

c) I found his website recently and wanted to let you know in case you'd like to take a look. www.lagbaja.com

By the way, WOMAD (World of Music Arts & Dance), a huge influence in my artistic life is at www.womad.org.

Let me know what you think.

Les/Salonelion/Salonedada