Playing batá

Ajamu Smith

Afro Cuban Batá drumming

Greater Los Angeles Los Angeles County African/African-American Latino/a/x Music Afro-Cuban
Ajamu Smith with his batá drum. Photo courtesy of the artist

 

Ajamu Smith was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1978. He began studying Afro-Cuban traditional arts at the age of 12 with his stepfather, world-renowned batá drummer Felipe García Villamil (Oggun Deí). Throughout his life, Ajamu assisted his father in giving lessons and presentations. He is now an Oba Oriate in his own right and continues the legacy his father passed on to him. This art form focuses on ritual Batá drumming from the Matanzas region of Cuba. Matanzas is highly recognized as a primary hub of Cuban Lucumi/Orisha tradition and one that is under-represented in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Apprenticeship Program

2026

Afro Cuban Batá drum with Richi Panta

Richi Panta with a batá drum. Photo courtesy of the artist

Richi Panta will learn from returning ACTA mentor Ajamu Smith the playing, creation, and care of Batá drums in the ritual drumming tradition of the Matanzas region of Cuba. Ajamu will teach Richi traditional drumming patterns, accompanying songs, and the preparation and care of ritual drums, continuing the lineage and legacy of Ajamu’s late father, Felipe García-Villamil.

 

 

 

 

 

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Alliance for California Traditional Arts
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