Obakunle Akinlana is a storyteller who uses drums, shekeres, and other musical instruments to present fun and exciting traditional African folktales. Akinlana has performed as a storyteller, musician, lecturer and percussionist throughout the United States and West Africa.
He is a published writer, recording artist, and founder and producer of the annual Igunnuko African Heritage Festival that is held in Charlotte, North Carolina and draws over 25,000 people. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Akinlana learnt stories from his grandparents who were farmers and from his father who was a minister and mother who was a beautician. He began his professional career in 1971 as a percussionist for Morris Brown College choir and the O.J. Harris African drummers and dancers. He has studied Yoruba folklore and culture for over 29 years, and travels to Africa annually to learn traditional stories, and to observe and perform with African griots and musicians.
Akinlana performs at festivals, colleges, universities, community centers, libraries, schools and other events. His performances are fun and exciting, as he encourages audience participation.
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