https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eC-82Gx8xo


Betelehemu
Awa yio ri Baba gbojule
Awa yio ri Baba fehinti
Nibo labi Jesu
Nibo labe bi i
Betelehemu, ilu ara
Nibe labi Baba o daju
Iyin, iyin, iyin nifun o
Adupe fun o, adupe fun o, adupe fun ojo oni
Baba oloreo
Iyin, iyin, iyin fun o Baba anu
Baba toda wasi
Betelehemu


A popular song in choir repertoires, “Betelehemu” is a Yoruba Christmas carol by the Grammy-nominated drummer Babatunde Olatunji, arranged for men’s choir by Wendell P. Whalum. It came into being while Olatunji was a student on scholarship at Morehouse College in the 1950s: he shared it with Whalum, director of the school’s glee club, and that spawned a collaboration.

There have been numerous recordings of “Betelehemu” over the years, and each one has its own distinct flavor, especially in the percussion sections. I really like the one by The Young People’s Choir of New York City from the 2003 album It Is Possible. But here’s a version from Brazil, arranged for SATB by Jonathan Crutchfield.

From Young People's Choir of NY.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctsQ8vYNu3k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9gXWuqZcNw



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDV_ajJ858A
This one has translation.


Im trying to find the guy Babatunde Olatunji himself. Ive seen his interview before.

Mod please move to front page. Ose!

i've watched quite a few on YouTube. A group of U.S college students and amazingly, a South African Choir rendition. sometimes, u don't appreciate what you've got till outsiders paint a clearer picture.

BabaRamota1980:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9gXWuqZcNw



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDV_ajJ858A
This one has translation.



Im trying to find the guy Babatunde Olatunji himself. Ive seen his interview before.

Naptu2 , any video of Babs?

unbitchable:

Naptu2 , any video of Babs?

Lots.

Here is the legend himself interpreting Liberian drum patterns.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT2J1Ot9N5c


This is one of his most famous works in America. This video was introduced by Micky Hart. It's kind of funny to hear him say Olatunji and Yoruba. Also look at how young Micky Hart looked.

Babatunde Olatunji - Drums of Passion (live) (1985).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvWzAgMABx0

I've posted some of his videos on Nairaland before. I'm off to search for those videos.

Babatunde Olatunji live on the David Letterman Show in 1986.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeZsuSZnfrA

naptu2:


Lots.

Here is the legend himself interpreting Liberian drum patterns.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT2J1Ot9N5c


This is one of his most famous works in America. This video was introduced by Micky Hart. It's kind of funny to hear him say Olatunji and Yoruba. Also look at how young Micky Hart looked.

Babatunde Olatunji - Drums of Passion (live) (1985).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvWzAgMABx0

I've posted some of his videos on Nairaland before. I'm off to search for those videos.

nice one naptu.

Naptu thanks.
I believe I may have first learnt of him from one of your coverage here in Nairaland. Yes, i recall now. Thanks sir!

unbitchable:
i've watched quite a few on YouTube. A group of U.S college students and amazingly, a South African Choir rendition. sometimes, u don't appreciate what you've got till outsiders paint a clearer picture.

True statement.

BabaRamota1980:
Naptu thanks.
I believe I may have first learnt of him from one of your coverage here in Nairaland. Yes, i recall now. Thanks sir!

Yeah, I wrote about him on my collaborations thread and on my Grammy thread.


https://www.nairaland.com/3946534/sikiru-adepoju-throwback-pictures-two-time

https://www.nairaland.com/3938989/50-collaborations-nigerian-foreign-artistes#58717345

Naptu2
I listened to the entire drums of passion. That rhythym is hot. At the 24:45 to 25:50 mark, thats Gelede beat.