"Djembe teaches More than just Rhythm.." - Kojo Ayinde Johnson
Unlocking The Call to be Great Through Music and Literature
"Djembe teaches More than just Rhythm.." - Kojo Ayinde Johnson
Unlocking The Call to be Great Through Music and Literature
From B-Boy to African Percussion - MEET KOJO AYINDE
My Journey In Music
My Journey In Music
My Journey In Music
Brother Kojo's musical journey began on the city of Brooklyn NY, where he immersed himself in the 5 elements of Hip-Hop Culture as a B-boy breaker, graffiti artist, and most notably as a Hip-Hop DJ turned producer. The son of a Jazz vocalist mother & Jazz musician percussionist, music was imbedded in his blood from birth. This knowledge &
Brother Kojo's musical journey began on the city of Brooklyn NY, where he immersed himself in the 5 elements of Hip-Hop Culture as a B-boy breaker, graffiti artist, and most notably as a Hip-Hop DJ turned producer. The son of a Jazz vocalist mother & Jazz musician percussionist, music was imbedded in his blood from birth. This knowledge & experience led to his discover & passion for West African Djembe drum and all African based percussion. He embarked on a lifelong pursuit of mastering the Djembe beginning as a student/apprentice drummer with the FORCES OF NATURE DANCE THEATER COMPANY based in Harlem, New York City.
Kojo's dedication to music extends beyond performance. In 2023, he self published his first children's book and is a contributing musician & producer on the Grammy-Nominated Spoken Word Album "Grocery Shopping with My Mother" by world renowned writer & poet, Kevin Powell.
My Musical Style
My Journey In Music
My Journey In Music
My music style is a blend of Hip-Hop starting as a DJ from the age of 9, to traditional Djembe rhythms, and traditional African music in American, otherwise known as Jazz. I like to blend different genres together, creating a unique sound that is both soothing and uplifting. This comes out in the music I develop and arrange for my band
My music style is a blend of Hip-Hop starting as a DJ from the age of 9, to traditional Djembe rhythms, and traditional African music in American, otherwise known as Jazz. I like to blend different genres together, creating a unique sound that is both soothing and uplifting. This comes out in the music I develop and arrange for my band NUBIAN MESSENGERS and others. As a producer my sound is heavily influenced by my years of Hip-Hop DJ'ing & producing.
.jpg/:/cr=t:16.67%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:56.37%25/rs=w:365,h:365,cg:true)
My Performances
My Journey In Music
My Performances
I have played in various events and venues, including music festivals, pubs, and cafes. I always put on a show that engages the audience and leaves them feeling entertained and inspired.
My travels as a drummer has taken me to many countries around the world including Guinea, West Africa, where he studied under the legendary Grandmaster M
I have played in various events and venues, including music festivals, pubs, and cafes. I always put on a show that engages the audience and leaves them feeling entertained and inspired.
My travels as a drummer has taken me to many countries around the world including Guinea, West Africa, where he studied under the legendary Grandmaster Mamady Keita and his son Mahiri Fajimba Keita. Back in the US, I honed his skills with top percussionists in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.