World Beat/ Global & Jazz percussionist, Obi Kaye has performed various venues and styles, specializing in dance driven and improvisational rhythm.
"His assertive (& sometimes aggressive) style locks in on a groove & takes it right to the heart of his audience, he explores every voice the drum has to offer & constantly strives to expand each possibility"...Scene Monthly
Obi has performed with numerous Jazz and "World" groups, both Live and in the studio. Both as a solo performer & as a sideman he continues to stretch the limits of musical genres, & appeals to the many tastes of a diverse audience.
"He brings a new sophistication & an understanding of many musical genres, as well as creating some new styles."...Gary MacCready, (Northwind) Pottsville Republican
Photo Courtesy; Kevin Wilson
As recording artist, sideman and Solo performer, Obi employs a fusion of many musical styles on a large variety of percussion instruments. Many performances and recordings infuse the sounds of Turkey with those of Brazil and instruments from Morocco, Pakistan and Egypt with those of Nigeria, Cuba and Puerto Rico. He constantly strives to explore sounds and culture and experiment through blending these styles together.
From the soft and sensual sounds of the Udu and vibrant buzzing of the berimbau to the explosive cracks and pops of the doumbek and regal textures of the Bata (and more) he tears down the walls of the expected opening the way to experience the sounds of our desires.
His Solo CDs have received international airplay via college, NPR, Pirate, internet and other radio stations that play"non-commercial" music...
Several songs have been used in commercials and short film including, (most recently) “Music for a Chase Scene” which has been featured in the IPSF short film, “The Good Wife” by Jose and Leandro Goicuria.
Photo Courtesy; Leah Marie Kirk
"All-in-all, this is a most enjoyable set for those who love percussion and rhythm. I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98." ..... Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation Nation
Obi Has been recently recognized as an Artist/ Endorsee of Mid-East Mfg.
He plays Mid-East and Dobani instruments.
From his Mid-East Berimbaus and Doumbeks to the distinctive and haunting sound of his 22" Dobani Frame Drum, you can hear these sounds in many of Obi's recordings and they have been the "backbone" of his "Sacred Sounds" performances.
Photos Courtesy; Leah Marie Kirk
As a clinician,Obi strives to present, in a sharing environment, a new relationship to the world around us. Through his relationship with the drum, his drums become fascinating vehicles
through which we may visit and understand other cultures, ideas, & even ourselves...
Creating educational, therapeutic and entertainment programming, he uses drums as a tool for understanding and creating. He produces many popular "highly recommended" and "notable" programs geared toward Children, Seniors and people of all ages with special needs.
*Photo Courtesy: Leah Marie Kirk
