Bayo Martins

Bayo Martins (1932–2003) was a Nigerian jazz musician. A drummer and conga player, he is considered a pioneer of Afro-jazz. He was a member of some pioneering African musical ensembles.

For years, he was instrumental in raising the cultural profile of Nigerian musicians and he was active in the musicians union. Martins was also a writer and author who had a number of books published, which include The Message of African Drumming and Give Musicianship a Chance.

Background Early life Bayo Martins was born Adebayo Santos Martins on 24 November 1932 in Calabar, Nigeria. His involvement in music started in 1946 when his family moved to Lagos.

He was also known as John Martins.

Musical According to the article, "Fela Kuti: Chronicle of A Life Foretold" by Lindsay Barrett that appeared in The Wire September 2011 issue, Martins was an influence on Fela Kuti, influencing what Kuti was listening to which had the effect of where Kuti headed musically, and the building of the connection between jazz and highlife music.

He was a friend of B. B. King. Their friendship began when King was in Lagos, and in turn he was the city guest of King in 1974.

Career 1950s to 1960s Martins was part of a small jazz combo called the Nigerian Jazz Club which was founded by Bobby Benson in 1953. The ensemble included Zeal Onyia on trumpet, Paul Isamade on saxophone, Martins on drums and Benson on Piano. They just played modern jazz.

In 1959, Martins and his professional boxer older brother came to London. At some stage he undertook a course in journalism.

Martins was a member of the Koola Lobitos, a band that was formed by Fela Kuti in 1960. The ensemble also included Wole Bucknor on piano.

In 1964, Martins formed the African Messengers with Mike Falana; eventually, the band included Peter King, Humphrey Okoh and Paul Edoh in the line up. The group recorded 7-inch including "Highlife Piccadilly" and "Blues for Messengers", which was released on Carnival CV 7013 in 1964. They won the World International Jazz Contest in Switzerland. In addition to appearing at clubs and festivals, the ensemble had provided backing for the Four Tops, The Temptations and Diana Ross.

1970s to 1990s Bayo Martins worked with Grand Marcus, also known as Marcus Mvouka, playing congas on his Rythmes Et Voix Du Congo album.

Martins worked with the group Ikwezi, a group which consisted of Billy Allen, Don Ridgeway, Gerhard Schäfer, and Joan Faulkner. He played congas on their self-titled 1981 album that was released on Biton BIT 2122. He later had had heavy involvement with the Rhythms and Voices of Africa by A.K.V. Collective, which was released on Biton 2016. In addition to co-producing and co-designing the album with Don Ridgeway, he composed the tracks "Oniyangi", "The Way" and "Next Time Your Colour Talk". He also handled percussion, sang and provided narration. He also compiled the book, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Abami Esa which was published in the late 1990s.

Personal life Martins was married to German born author Gerwine Bayo-Martins.

Death Martins died in Germany on 12 August 2003.

Published works Books

Articles

Film, documentary etc. + Title Role Producer, Researcher Year Type Other Notes Fela Anikulapo Kuti & Afrika 70 on tour in Italy Bayo Martins (researcher) Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan 1980 Video Archive of Sound and Vision, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan Modern Endangered Archives Program Fela Anikulapo Kuti performance and tour in Italy (1980) Bayo Martins on his Life and Music Bayo Martins (researcher) Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan 1993 Audio Archive of Sound and Vision, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan Modern Endangered Archives Program Bayo Martins talking to the press about his life and music Benin 100 years Centenary: (Palace Forum on Culture Development) Tape 2 Bayo Martins (researcher) Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan 1997 Video Archive of Sound and Vision, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan Modern Endangered Archives Program Seminar and exhibition on the anniversary of Benin centenary Edwin (Eddy) Chukwuemeka Okonta Lying-in-State Bayo Martins (researcher) Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan 1997 Video Archive of Sound and Vision, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan Modern Endangered Archives Program Late Edwin (Eddy) Chukwuemeka Okonta lying-in-state at the National Theatre. Wake held at Ikorodu. Eine Kindheit in Nigeria (Wole Soyinka) Bayo Martins (researcher) Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan 2000 Video Archive of Sound and Vision, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan Modern Endangered Archives Program Interview with Wole Soyinka