Episode 211: Smashing Cultural Barriers in Classical Music with Babatunde Akinboboye

Choralosophy

Known online as Babatunde “Hip Hopera,” this week’s guest may look like he is just out there having fun on TikTok. But, a closer look shows an artist doing innovative, and incredibly important work bridging the gaps between musical worlds.

From West Coast hip-hop fan to opera singer, this week’s guest Babtunde Akinboboye‘s journey is a fusion of genres and cultures that’s shaking up the music world. Kind of like kimchi on tacos…

His unique blend of opera with hip-hop beats, highlighted in a viral performance of of an aria mashed with Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble,” has earned him a dedicated social media following and sparked conversations about the future of classical music. In this podcast, Tunde and I explore how his work challenges the elitist perceptions of classical music and addresses the cultural barriers that make it feel inaccessible to many. We discuss the balance between preserving tradition and embracing change, the role of education in making classical music more inclusive, and the need to break down labels that segregate music by race. Our discussion offers fresh insights into how classical music can evolve to connect with a broader, more diverse audience.

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A singer of diverse talents, Nigerian American Baritone, Babatunde Akinboboye is known for his enthralling stage presence. He has performed with the Los Angeles Opera, Opera San Jose, Opera Santa Barbara, Long Beach Opera, and Utah Opera. Babatunde has also debuted the roles of Drew in the Opera Works’Arts for Social Awareness Project’s world premiere production of The Discord Opera, and Zanni in the world premiere of Gloria Coates’ Stolen Identity. His most recent performances include Daggoo in LA Opera’s Moby Dick, Escamillo in Pacific Opera Project’s production of Carmen, and Lucha’s Father in The Industry’s production of Hopscotch.

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As an advocate for the performance of art song and operatic works written by African, and African American composers, Mr. Akinboboye has headlined the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry awards in Lagos, Nigeria performing a fusion of opera and traditional African music and has been a featured performer at both the National Association of Negro Musicians Annual Conference, as well as the African American Art Song Alliance Conference.

Babatunde’s honors include Regional Finalist of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition, and finalist in the International Eisteddfod Vocal Solo Competition in Llangollen, Wales.

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In December of 2018, Babatunde combined his love of classical opera and hip hop and created the new genre Hip Hopera in a viral video that gained over 10 million views and was featured on Time.com, Classic FM, MSN.com and more. His debut EP “Della Citta” is now available.

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