Bayo Martins (1932–2003) was a Nigerian jazz musician, drummer, and conga player, regarded as a pioneer of Afro-jazz. He was a member of several pioneering African musical ensembles and was influential in raising the cultural profile of Nigerian musicians. Martins was also active in the musicians' union and published works including The Message of African Drumming and Give Musicianship a Chance.
Background
Early life
Bayo Martins was born Adebayo Santos Martins on 24 November 1932 in Calabar, Nigeria. His involvement in music began in 1946 when his family moved to Lagos. He was also known as John Martins.
Musical influences
According to the article "Fela Kuti: Chronicle of A Life Foretold" by Lindsay Barrett in The Wire (September 2011), Martins influenced Fela Kuti by shaping his musical listening habits, helping to connect jazz and highlife music. He was also a friend of B. B. King, with their friendship beginning in Lagos and continuing when Martins visited King in 1974.
Career
1950s to 1960s
Martins was part of the Nigerian Jazz Club, founded by Bobby Benson in 1953, alongside Zeal Onyia (trumpet), Paul Isamade (saxophone), Martins (drums), and Benson (piano). In 1959, Martins and his older brother, a professional boxer, traveled to London, where Martins also studied journalism.
After returning to Nigeria in 1962, he co-founded the Afro-Jazz ensemble with Chris Ajilo (tenor saxophone), Zeal Onyia (trumpet), and Ayo Vaughan (bass). The group later became the Jazz Preachers by 1964.
Martins was a member of Koola Lobitos, formed by Fela Kuti in 1960, and in 1964 he co-founded African Messengers with Mike Falana. The group recorded tracks such as Highlife Piccadilly and Blues for Messengers and won the World International Jazz Contest in Switzerland. They also backed artists such as The Four Tops, The Temptations, and Diana Ross.
1970s to 1990s
Martins collaborated with Grand Marcus (Marcus Mvouka) on Rythmes Et Voix Du Congo and performed with Ikwezi, contributing to their 1981 self-titled album. He was heavily involved in Rhythms and Voices of Africa by A.K.V. Collective, contributing percussion, vocals, narration, and compositions. He also authored the book Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Abami Esa in the late 1990s.
Personal life
Martins was married to German-born author Gerwine Bayo-Martins.
Death
Bayo Martins died in Germany on 12 August 2003.
Later years
Martins' work appears on the Highlife on the Move compilation (2015), with tracks credited under his full and variant names.
Published works
Books
- Martins, Bayo (1983). The Message of African Drumming. Brazzaville: P. Kinouvou. ISBN 978-3-88827-021-5.
- Martins, 'Bayo (1979). Give Musicianship a Chance. Musician Foundation.
Articles
- Martins, Bayo (1997-08-22). "Felaism, Assessment of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti". Ntama – Journal of African Music and Popular Culture.
- Martins, Bayo (2002-08-10). "Musicians Against Second Slavery". The Guardian Nigeria.
Further reading
- Bayo Martins: Voice of the Drum – An interview with Dr. Wolfgang Bender, Universität Hildesheim.
- Val Wilmer (2003). "Bayo Martins: Nigerian drummer who pioneered Afro-jazz". The Guardian (23 Aug 2003).