Francis Awe

Francis Awe is a prince of the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. He is said to be a master of the Nigerian talking drum.

Life His grandmother was the one who discovered his talent when he was only two months old. Every time there would be drums being played he would cry. So one day his grandmother decided to take him to a place where there were drums being played. Francis would stop crying as soon as he heard the drums. The Nigerian Talking Drum Ensemble is a group that performs with the hopes to educate the people about the Nigerian culture through music and dance. The group has traveled to places throughout the United States and also to Mexico, Italy, Germany, and India. With the Ensemble, Francis goes to universities and schools, and also teaches at workshops. He is currently a recording artist for Bindu Records and is releasing an album with his drumming titled, Oro Ijinle. Awe has said that his mission is to, "Not only make the Dundun a universal instrument, but also to transmit the family aspect of African life to all the people of the universe." He also had two children. His oldest, Asabi Awe and his youngest Babatunde Awe (www.bindurecords.com)