My Story

“My first steps into the world of music were taken in secret in the attic of the family home. Armed with an old guitar, a dusty drum and a budding passion, I spent hours playing clumsy chords, hoping no one would discover my new musical obsession. My father, a seasoned musician himself, wasn’t too keen on the idea of me fiddling with instruments, but this secret musical rebellion had become my refuge”.

“There was a precise moment when I knew that music would be my life. It was at an open-air concert, the crowd vibrating to the sound of the music, and that’s when I felt an inexplicable connection with every note. That moment was the catalyst that launched my musical quest, despite my father’s initial reservations, who preferred to see me follow a more ‘practical’ path.”

“My first experience on stage was at a block party, with a cheap guitar and an audience made up mainly of friendly neighbors. Despite mistakes and stage fright, this modest performance was the start of a musical adventure that took me far beyond that small neighborhood. My father, though concerned about my choices, eventually recognized the passion that burned within me.”

“One day, during an impromptu jam session, I was lucky enough to share the stage with an Orchestra I had long admired (Black Santiago de cotonou) my father’s Orchestra. It was an unexpected collaboration that gave birth to a surprising musical fusion and remains one of the most memorable moments of my career. My father, though skeptical at first, ended up being proud to see music unite generations.”

“There was a time when music seemed like an insurmountable mountain. The notes didn’t seem to line up, and doubt set in. But it was precisely during this challenging period that I discovered an unsuspected inner strength, propelling me to new musical heights. My father, initially preoccupied with the uncertainties of the musical world, eventually became an unwavering supporter of my career.”

“Growing up, my musical world was shaped by a diversity of genres, and Ghanaian highlife played a particularly significant role. My father, a talented musician specializing in salsa, fela kuti afro-beat and highlife, infused our home with a rich palette of sounds.

The playful melodies of Ghanaian highlife have left an indelible mark on my musical sensibility. The way the percussion intertwines, the distinctive guitar rhythms,

The catchy melodies and arrangements added a dynamic dimension to my understanding of the music. It was like submarining in an ocean of vibrant sounds, where every note told a new and spellbinding story.

“In my quest to perfect my musical skills, I was faced with a major challenge: the absence of a formal music school in my environment in Benin. However, the passion that burned within me found creative ways to blossom.

With no access to structured music courses, I turned to the place where music was alive and accessible: local churches. In particular, playing with gospel musicians became my musical refuge. It was the only place where I could not only access instruments for free, but also play endlessly, exploring different harmonies and rhythms.Each session with these gospel musicians was a lesson in itself, a hands-on education that allowed me to develop my musical skills in a. . . organic way. Gospel music offered me a rich and varied training ground, becoming my own school of improvised music.

“Over the course of my natural musical journey, I’ve witnessed an evolution in my style, shaped by a series of creative explorations and enriching collaborations. One of these crucial periods was marked by fruitful experimentation with young Congolese musicians, an experience that left an indelible mark on my artistic evolution.

During these musical encounters, I was captivated by the richness and diversity of Congolese rhythms. The musicians I collaborated with brought a new energy and a unique approach to music, fusing elements of rumba, soukous and other Congolese genres.

All these musical genres, though distinct in essence, intertwined to create a unique musical experience and showed me the beauty of sonic diversity. It’s this diversity that continues to be reflected in my own music, a fusion of styles and cultures that enriches my creativity and strengthens the link between tradition and innovation.

“My musical trajectory has been punctuated by stimulating encounters and moments where the magic of collaboration has transcended musical boundaries. As a drummer, I’ve had the unique opportunity to share the stage with renowned artists such as Eagle Eye Cherry and Alessia Cara and many other pop stars at concerts and award ceremonies, moments that have helped refine my understanding of the drummer’s role as a rhythmic pillar,

“Currently, my band and I are deeply involved in an exciting and dynamic musical adventure. Our stage becomes our privileged terrain of expression, where we regularly offer concerts to share our music with the world. These live performances are a celebration of the diversity of our influences, an invitation to plunge into a musical universe where each note tells a unique story.

In parallel with our concerts, we are working hard on an ambitious album project that will see the light of day in 2024. This 16-track album is a veritable immersion in our musical universe. Each track is a story, an emotion captured, and we can’t wait to share this collection with our fans and reach new listeners.  As part of our international expansion, we’re planning a tour that will also start next summer. So

our musical projects are measured not just by numbers or achievements, but by the impact they have on the emotions and spirits of our audience. Ultimately, our greatest achievement would be to know that our music has brought new life, joy, wonder and comfort to the hearts of all who listen to it.

In conclusion, Tunde Alibaba is a talented musical artist who has remained true to his roots while creating a unique sound that is both urban and traditional. His music is a celebration of African culture, but also a reflection of the multicultural world we live in. If you’re lucky enough to attend one of his concerts, don’t miss out!