Since the age of six, Obayana Ajanaku has been studying the Djembe orchestra, a series of rope-tuned, skin-covered goblet drums played with bare hands, originally from West Africa. He continues to research the Djembe and other traditional disciplines of African percussion worldwide. By the age of twelve, Mr. Ajanaku began performing internationally and has since been featured on stages in Russia, Brazil, and Africa, as well as throughout the United States. He has accompanied and performed with dance companies of various genres from ballet to tap to African dance. 

 

Mr. Ajanaku is currently the West African drum instructor at Austin-East Magnet High and Vine Middle Magnet Schools, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is also the founder of Indigenous Vibes edutainment group. His passion is working with young people, encouraging them to be the best version of themselves. He also works with youth on how to use their drums as a method to address emotional and mental issues that they may be experiencing. His calling is to use his drumming, teaching, and performing skills to bring together people of all cultures, races, and genders