Babatunde Olatunji (1927-2013) was a Nigerian drummer, educator, and world music ambassador, best known for his role in popularizing African music and drumming in the United States and globally. His genre primarily encompasses traditional African music, especially the rhythms and styles of Yoruba drumming, but he also blended these influences with jazz and world music. Olatunji gained prominence in the 1950s after his debut album, "Drums of Passion" (1960), which showcased traditional African rhythms and was met with critical acclaim. This album played a pivotal role in introducing African music to Western audiences and influenced various artists across genres, including jazz and rock musicians. Beyond his recordings, Olatunji was an influential educator, teaching African drumming and culture at institutions like San Francisco State University. His impact extended to the civil rights movement, where he used music to foster cultural understanding and unity. Olatunji's legacy continues through his recordings and the artists he inspired, helping to lay the groundwork for the world music genre and the integration of African musical elements into contemporary music.