Babá Ken Okulolo, born Keni Okulolo on September 12, 1950 in Nigeria, is a bassist and bandleader who began his musical journey as a founding member of the Afro-rock group MonoMono in the 1970s. His first EP Keni Okulolo was released in 1976. Okulolo's breakthrough moment came in 1985 when he joined King Sunny Ade's world-touring band, marking his debut in the U.S. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with notable figures such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Victor Olaiya. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Okulolo leads multiple bands including Kotoja, the Nigerian Brothers, the West African Highlife Band, and the Afro-Beat Connexion. His discography includes albums like Freedom Is What Every Body Needs (1990) and Salute To Highlife Pioneers (1998). Okulolo has headlined venues such as Lincoln Center and The Fillmore, showcasing his versatility across various musical genres.
