Solomon Gbadegesin Ilori, born circa 1934 in Nigeria, is a distinguished drummer and percussionist renowned for blending traditional African rhythms with American jazz. After relocating to New York City in 1958, he collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Art Blakey and Harry Belafonte. Ilori's debut album, "African High Life" (1963), released under Blue Note Records, showcases his innovative fusion of highlife, Afro-Cuban jazz, and hard bop. His work has significantly influenced the integration of African musical traditions into the global jazz scene. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_Ilori?utm_source=openai))