Born Olurotimi Hundeyin from Lagos, Nigeria growing up in the 1980’s, music became a passion. At a young age he excelled at performance, quickly picking up drums, trumpet, saxophone and piano. As a teenager it became clear that music was to be a way of life for Rotimi, fondly called Bob Ro. His band, called ROTIMI & de afrophonik crew hold a powerful stage presence including a full horn section with drums, percussion, female vocalists, keyboards and several guitars. Such collaboration with a full spectrum of diverse ethnicities and races of Americans has never been seen before in African music, a testament to Rotimi’s forward-thinking methods. A man of paradox, Rotimi questions violence with beauty. His focus is sharp, providing a musical resolution to the political injustice he knew growing up. With songs like Osusu he questions the relationships mankind has with one another and suggests a higher way of life. Rotimi’s music breaks the world music mold. He balances genius with simplicity, an amalgamation of Soul, Afro-beat, Rock, Hip-Hop and Jazz with Rap infusion. As in typical characteristics of African music to bring readiness amongst the people, Rotimi engages his audience with his signature call and response slogan:
SKE SKE ..... and the people respond ..... AWAWA!