If you’ve ever encountered Lagbaja or even just heard about him, you’ve probably asked the million-dollar question: “Why the mask?” Well, you’re not alone. The enigmatic Nigerian musician is just as famous for his mysterious mask as he is for his groovy, drum-heavy tunes. But there’s more to Lagbaja than meets the eye (or mask, in this case).
Let’s dive in!
A Peek into Lagbaja’s Biography
Lagbaja was born Bisade Ologunde in Lagos, Nigeria. Today, he’s based in Manhattan, New York. His journey began in the early 90s when he adopted the name Lagbaja, meaning “somebody,” “nobody,” “anybody,” or “everybody” in Yoruba. Reflecting his name’s essence, he began wearing a slitted textile and rubber mask, rooted in the Yoruba carnival tradition, to represent the common, faceless man.
In 1991, Lagbaja taught himself to play the saxophone and formed his first band in Lagos. Combining traditional African percussion with highlife and Western jazz influences, his group quickly gained a following, performing regularly at venues like The Sea Garden in Lagos. Their debut album, Colours – The Colour Of Rhythm, dropped in 1992 and featured surprising renditions of Western classic songs like My Favourite Things and Yesterday by The Beatles.
Despite challenges, including visa issues with the British Embassy in 1993, Lagbaja’s music found a welcoming audience in America. Over the years, he’s used his songs as a platform to address social issues like corruption and bad leadership, becoming a cultural voice for contemporary Africa.
Lagbaja occasionally explored the theme of love in his music, with Never Far Away standing out as a timeless African love song from the early 2000s.
The Mystery Behind the Mask
Lagbaja’s mask isn’t just a fashion statement or some quirky gimmick. It’s his way of making a powerful statement. The word Lagbaja is Yoruba for “somebody,” “nobody,” “anybody,” or “everybody,” and that’s precisely the point. The mask symbolizes facelessness– the anonymity of the so-called “common man.”
It represents the struggles of the voiceless and faceless people in society, particularly in Africa. By hiding his face, Lagbaja lets the message and the music take center stage. He is somebody, but he could also be anybody. Pretty clever, right?
The Sound of Lagbaja: Drums, Rhythms, and Africano
One thing that sets Lagbaja’s music apart is his absolute love for traditional African drums. He doesn’t just add them in as a sprinkle; they’re the backbone of his entire sound. If you ever find yourself nodding, tapping, or full-on dancing to a Lagbaja song, you have the Yoruba drums to thank.
There are four prominent families of drums that Lagbaja employs in his grooves:
The Dundun/Gangan Family
These are the famous talking drums. Sometimes, up to five drummers will come together to weave intricate polyrhythms that make it almost impossible to sit still. Trust me, it’s like the drums are speaking to your feet.
The Bata Ensemble
In the Bata Ensemble, two drummers lead the charge. The omele bata creates soft, high-toned driving rhythms, while the iya ilu drum thunders with loud, “talking” beats. It’s a conversation of rhythm – and it’s brilliant.
The Sakara Ensemble
This is led by the general percussionist, giving yet another layer of depth to Lagbaja’s music. You’ve got to appreciate the sheer coordination!
The Ogido Drum
This drum, a descendant of the ancient “gbedu” drum, forms the backbone of Lagbaja’s rhythm. It’s the unsung hero that ties everything together.
Together, these drum families create Lagbaja’s signature sound – a groovy fusion that’s been called Afrojazz, Afrobeat, Highlife, and Afropop. But Lagbaja himself has settled on a name that suits his style perfectly: Africano. It’s a tribute to the central role of African drums and grooves in his music.
Music with a Message (and a Little Humor)
While Lagbaja knows how to get people dancing, his music isn’t just for entertainment. Beneath the infectious rhythms and playful lyrics, there’s often a serious message. Most of his music chiefly focused on tackling corruption, inequality, or social justice. Lagbaja has always had a knack for making heavy topics digestible– a feat he easily accomplished using humor.
With his witty lyrics and energetic performances, Lagbaja uses music as a tool for change. He’s not shouting from the rooftops; he’s making you laugh, dance, and think. That’s what makes him such a cultural treasure.
Lagbaja’s Latest Groove: “Back n Forth” with Fireboy DML
If you thought Lagbaja has been quiet lately, think again! His most recent collaboration with Fireboy DML on the track Back n Forth in Fireboy’s most recent album, Adedamola certainly proves that the legend still has it. Combining Fireboy’s smooth vocals with Lagbaja’s iconic sound makes for a track that’s fresh, timeless, and downright irresistible. It’s the perfect bridge between old-school Africano and modern-day Afrobeats.
A Legacy That Lives On
Lagbaja’s music transcends generations. His masked persona and his masterful use of drums show how much effort he has put into carving out a unique space in the Nigerian and global music scene.
So, the next time you see Lagbaja (or his mask), remember this: He’s not just somebody. He’s everybody, anybody, and nobody. And more importantly, he’s the voice of the people – one drumbeat at a time.
