yinka farinde & the african beats

BIOGRAPHY

Chief Yinka Farinde, was born in a small town called Osogbo in Oyo State of Nigeria, West Africa. Yinka started his music carrier at the age of 10 as a member of the choir of Okanla Baptist Church in Osogbo. A self taught drummer, including conga, drum set, talking drum and percussions since his primary school days.

Chief Yinka Farinde is a born artist who combines his artistic expression in different dimensions such as music, acting, fashion designing, dancing, etc.

In 1989, Yinka Farinde migrated from Nigeria to Canada where he formed his first band in 1994 called the New Horizon, which was subsequently changed to Yinka & The Juju Beats. The band being the first of it's kind in Canada was very popular among the Nigerians and lovers of African music in Canada.
In 2003. Yinka Farinde was recognized by the Association of Yorubas in Canada with a Chieftaincy title as the "Amuludun of Canada" and has now changed his band name to Chief Yinka Farinde & The African Beats.

This exciting musical genre known as JUJU BEAT which hails from the Yoruba culture of Nigeria, is characterized by tight vocal harmonies and exquisite guitar works backed by traditional talking drums and percussion; all of which Yinka Farinde accompanies with his own unique style of energetic dancing.

Chief Yinka Farinde, has found great success in Nigeria, Europe and America. Along with the talking drums and other traditional percussion instruments, he has incorporated western instrument such as guitar, keyboards, etc into his distinct sound.

Chief Farinde's velvet voice, reminiscent of King Sunny Ade, expresses his music mostly in Yoruba language with some broken English. Beautifully harmonized, the selections include Nigerian folk songs, music of praise and anecdotal numbers recounting the day to day activities in Yoruba society.

What's interesting about Chief Farinde's percussion is it's lack of boundaries. He believes in Creative Percussion which means exactly what it sounds like. Chief Yinka Farinde interacts easily with the audience when playing LIVE, encouraging them to participate in the fun. Backing Chief Farinde is his incredible 14 piece band, all professional musicians and dancers, all dressed in colorful African fabrics. (Chief Yinka Farinde's is also famous as a designer of African fashion). The players never stop, as they easily and happily move from playing, dancing, drumming and singing.

Chief Yinka Farinde and the African Beats have performed many concerts, including the Afro Fest Canada 1999, where Yinka's first album, IKA KO PE (evil never pays), was nominated for album of the year. The Jazz Festival 1999, Urban Music Festival 2000 in Ottawa, Camp Jumoke concert 2001 - 2004, Caribana on Toronto island 2003, African Festival Toronto 2003, Nigerian Arts Entertainment and personality award 2004, Nigerian independence concert Chicago 2004, Nigerian Independence Oakland California 2004, Nigerian independence Atlanta Georgia 2004, Amansie Festival Canada 2002, as well as a variety of clubs in Canada and the U.S.A.

For more information or booking, please contact ; Mr. Wale Ade
ADE Management Group
(613) 276-5712
or email

booking@YinkaFarinde.com .