Baba Montego Joe: an elder passes

Announced by Brooklyn's Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy

"Listen" the drums seem to call out

"We are looking for the Master to carry him home"

No news travels faster than the message

heard in the syncopated percussive

polyrhythmic patterns reverberating

in the name of a great man's passing

Baba Montego Joe, born Roger Sanders, a Son of Jamaica 

Transitioned on Monday, June 28th 2010

"That which is good is never finished." Kunia Proverb

About Baba Montego Joe, Council of Elder and Arts Faculty Member

Baba Montego Joe was a native of Jamaica, West Indies, well known in the music world as one of the foremost Afro-Caribbean percussionists. His professional performance experience spanned six decades and geographies that included the US, Europe, Africa, South America and the Caribbean. He  worked with and recorded with such artists as The Fifth Dimension, Nina Simone, Herbie Mann, Abby Lincoln and Max Roach, Art Blakey and Dizzy Gillespie. He was also an instructor at Medgar Evers College and the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corp. (Youth Arts Academy).

With a vast reservoir of knowledge about the history and meaning of Afro-Caribbean music and his impeccable style and technique, Baba Montego had much to share. We are especially grateful that he was able to share his vast wealth of knowledge with our Ifetayo students over the past five years.

Words from Baba Montego:

"Being an elder at Ifetayo is like being in an African village. We are respected and get to help the youth grow spiritually." For the youth, Baba Montego has these words of encouragement: "Walk tall and try to abide by what it is you were taught at Ifetayo. Learn as much as you can in life and always be well-informed."

Please note: See update re: services.