• Universal Audio’s Moog Minimoog is just $29 until January 1st
    Universal Audio has discounted its Moog Minimoog instrument to just $29, marking one of the best software synth deals to close out 2025. This is also my final article of the year, so before diving in, I just want to say thank you for being part of BPB in 2025. Your support, comments, and daily [...]
    View post: Universal Audio’s Moog Minimoog is just $29 until January 1st

    Universal Audio has discounted its Moog Minimoog instrument to just $29, marking one of the best software synth deals to close out 2025. This is also my final article of the year, so before diving in, I just want to say thank you for being part of BPB in 2025. Your support, comments, and daily

  • 194db Audio releases FREE Vox Relief Lite vocal processing plugin
    194db Audio has released Vox Relief Lite, a free vocal processing plugin for macOS and Windows, designed to quickly clean up vocal tone and help vocals sit better in the mix. In plugin-land, the word “Lite” in a plugin’s name usually suggests a stripped-down free version with a paid upgrade coming later. That might be [...]
    View post: 194db Audio releases FREE Vox Relief Lite vocal processing plugin

    194db Audio has released Vox Relief Lite, a free vocal processing plugin for macOS and Windows, designed to quickly clean up vocal tone and help vocals sit better in the mix. In plugin-land, the word “Lite” in a plugin’s name usually suggests a stripped-down free version with a paid upgrade coming later. That might be

  • MusicTech’s favourite free plugins of 2025Although there are no end of expensive plugins vying for your attention, you shouldn’t overlook some of the amazing free tools that are also available. We’ve put together a list of our favourite free plugins and tools from 2025 so you can get creative in the studio whilst saving your wallet.

    READ MORE: MusicTech’s favourite outboard gear releases of 2025

    Native Instruments – Massive X Player

    Native Instruments’ Massive X is an incredibly powerful synth, but it’s also a bit of a beast to program.
    Earlier this year, the company released the Massive X Player as part of its free Komplete Start package. This lightweight plugin comes loaded with 60 presets, but with the option to add further sounds from a large collection of paid-for expansion packs. You can tweak each sound using 8 macros, or the large expressive X/Y pad in the middle of the interface. The pad also has an Animator that lets you morph between macro settings using 12 set paths.
    Find out more about the Massive X Player at native-instruments.com.
    Lunacy Audio – Haze

    Lunacy Audio is known for its rich and visually appealing sound design tools, such as Beam and Cube. Its free Haze plugin is no exception, with a mix of mysterious sounding chorus, lush phasing, ethereal algorithmic reverb and a unique spectral dispersion engine. It lets you create shimmering textures and atmospheric soundscapes with ease. Controls like Density, Spread and Smear Frequency are presented with a beautiful graphic in the centre that helps show what’s happening sonically.
    Find out more about the Haze plugin at lunacy.audio.
    Eadie Audio – Eno
    This is a slightly more unusual tool. Instead of offering any sound, Eadie Audio’s Eno plugin can help prompt your brain to provoke creativity. The idea is based on Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt’s Oblique Strategies and will provide unique suggestions every 30 seconds to get you to think outside the box when it comes to both writing and production. It can also be used to activate a screen blackout mode to help you truly hear your music.
    Find out more about the Eno plugin at eadieaudio.netlify.app.
    Infinite Digits – AmenBreakVST

    If you like chopped and effected breakbeats in a jungle/breakcore style, then this could very well be your dream plugin. It’s built by Infinite Digits and has gone through various hardware and software revisions over the last 5 years. It is now a fully fleshed out product that’s described as a performance-based, multi-playhead sample mangler with auto-slicing, sequencing and bespoke effects. It lets you chop and rearrange samples in a number of creative ways, saving hours of fiddly programming and offering up a powerful performance tool. The free version is feature packed with all the core functionality, but it runs in mono. You can upgrade to stereo and with a few extra features and effects for the minimal cost of $29.
    Find out more about the AmenBreakVST at amenbreakvst.com.
    u-he – Zebralette 3

    With the release of the immense Zebra 3 synth getting closer and now in public beta, u-he has put out the free version, Zebralette 3. It features a single oscillator taken its bigger sibling, with spline-based editing, various morphing options, a pair of waveform mangling algorithms, and an audio engine switchable between traditional waves and additive synthesis. You also get two LFOs, ADSR and MSEG envelopes, a modulation matrix, and reverb and delay effects, making this a surprisingly powerful package.
    Find out more about the Zebralette 3 at u-he.com.
    Mastering The Mix – EQ Academy

    [products ids=”786fLd3kQBjO4CJb5GoKVO”]
    It’s all very well having the latest kit and software, but if your ears aren’t up to scratch, then your music will still sound amateur. EQ Academy is a standalone app that offers gamified ear-training to help improve your EQ instincts. It includes 100 interactive levels, real-time progress tracking and global rankings to help sharpen how you hear frequencies, gain, Q and mid/sides. There are a broad range of tracks included, plus the ability to import your own to practice on, and you can also compete in battles against other producers.
    Find out more about the EQ Academy at masteringthemix.com.
    Forever 89 – Visco 2.0

     
    Technically, Visco is a paid plugin, but the demo is fully functional and only displays an upgrade reminder that occasionally appears, so we’ve decided to include it here. It’s an incredibly fun and creative sample-modelling drum machine that lets you morph between two samples on each of its 8 tracks, and then lets you edit using the unique blob interface. Version 2 dropped earlier this year and added a new Tonal synth engine, so you can now work with chromatic sounds alongside your percussive grooves.
    Find out more about the Visco at forever89.studio.
    United plugins/JMG Audio – HyperspaceCore
    Here’s another freebie that’s a cut-down version of a bigger product. Don’t let that fool you, though, as HyperspaceCore is a deep and powerful algorithmic reverb that’s capable of creating vast sounding spaces. An X/Y pad lets you morph between different characteristics of the sound, alongside a range of reverb controls that you’d normally expect to find. On top of this, there’s a modulation control, a built-in ducker, a randomiser, two special FX controls for adding metallic resonance and epic long tails, and the ability to focus processing on the musical or noise elements of the signal.
    Find out more about the Hyperspace Core at unitedplugins.com.
    Sonimus – DelaySon

    If you’re looking to add a bit of vintage tape delay warmth to your tracks, then this one could be for you. DelaySon captures the character of classic echo machines to deliver an authentic analogue sound. The clear interface provides controls for delay time, feedback, mix amount, modulation, tone, L/R offset and more, allowing you to create vintage slap-back echoes, subtle rhythmic delays, or more experimental long and modulated tails.
    Find out more about the DelaySon at sonimus.com.
    SoliderSound – S Doubler

    Although double tracking vocals and instruments the hard way will most often yield the best results, it can be time-consuming, and sometimes you may only have access to a single track. S Doubler lets you add 4 thickening voices, with controls for the stereo spread and distance that add an extra sense of dimension. You can also shift the tone using a tilt EQ, limit the frequency range so that you’re not widening the lows, and balance the effect between the middle and sides.
    Find out more about the S Doubler at solidersound.com.
    The post MusicTech’s favourite free plugins of 2025 appeared first on MusicTech.

    A round-up of 2025’s best free plugins, including deep sound design plugins, impressive synths, and complex sample mangling tools

  • Your Support Helps Organizations Like We Make NoiseNAMM released a statement on Tuesday to say that, "As we continue highlighting the organizations supported through NAMM Foundation global grantmaking, this week, we’re proud to share the work of We Make Noise, which advances global gender equity through music & technology. They blend music creation, technology training, community building and career development needed for success in the music industry."

    "From songwriting and recording to digital production and performance, We Make Noise provides students with opportunities to explore their creativity while developing confidence, community and career-building skills."

    "The NAMM Foundation grants support 57 organizations, expanding music-making and career mobility worldwide. Programs like We Make Noise demonstrate how grassroots music education can empower the next generation of artists, producers, engineers and innovators."

    "We Make Noise provides free and low-cost access to contemporary music education, including digital recording, songwriting and production camps, performance ensembles, creative workshops and an online global Hub connecting creators across more than 20 countries."

    "Their programs intentionally cultivate safe, inclusive spaces where women and gender-expansive participants build technical fluency, professional networks and a sense of belonging. These experiences serve as entry points into music careers and cultural leadership, helping participants move off the sidelines and into the rooms where creative decisions are made."

    "Lamond GenNext Award – Connecting college students to career opportunities and mentorship at The NAMM Show."

    "Women of NAMM Leadership Fund – Supporting mentorship and leadership development for women shaping the music industry’s future."

    "Your year-end gift helps sustain these programs and continues the legacy of music your generosity makes possible."

    DONATE NOWThe post Your Support Helps Organizations Like We Make Noise first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

  • Nova Sound Falling Into Winter Fest - Sound FX Master CollectionNova Sound Presents: A New WAV Master Collection, Free WAV EP and Free WAV Sound Pack! New equipment Arrivals! Falling Into Winter Fest – Sound FX Master Collection A complete seasonal sound effects collection capturing the warmth, nostalgia, and atmosphere of the holidays—from Thanksgiving through Christmas. This master collection blends cozy family moments, festive gatherings, and immersive environmental foley inspired by fall and winter. Featuring 450+ high-quality sound effects, including: Leaves, trees, wind, and gentle breezes. Suburban ambience and outdoor environments. Festival and community gathering atmospheres. Campfires and pumpkin smashing. Thanksgiving dinner and dining scenes. Christmas gift wrapping and paper sounds. Snowfall, snowing, and snow day ambiences. For film, games, holiday content, ambience design, and seasonal soundscapes. Snow Fall – Sound Library Part of the Falling Into Winter Fest Collection, Snow Fall offers over 100 high-quality snow, ice, water, and snow machine sounds. Features: High-quality WAV files. 24-bit / 48 kHz. Ready to load directly into your DAW or sampler as synth patches. Bring seasonal magic to your music — Merry Christmas. Free WAV Sound Pack – 10+ High-Quality Sound FX Celebrate the release of the New WAV EP and the Falling Into Winter Fest Sound Master Collection, featuring 450+ sound effects for your projects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwrbrVd2tCc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYwZCWeLCE4 Read More

  • Xcc700: Self-Hosted C Compiler for the ESP32/XtensaWith two cores at 240 MHz and about 8.5 MB of non-banked RAM if you’re using the right ESP32-S3 version, this MCU seems at least in terms of specifications to be quite the mini PC. Obviously this means that it should be capable of self-hosting its compiler, which is exactly what [Valentyn Danylchuk] did with the xcc700 C compiler project.
    Targeting the Xtensa Lx7 ISA of the ESP32-S3, this is a minimal C compiler that outputs relocatable ELF binaries. These binaries can subsequently be run with for example the ESP-IDF-based elf_loader component. Obviously, this is best done on an ESP32 platform that has PSRAM, unless your binary fits within the few hundred kB that’s left after all the housekeeping and communication stacks are loaded.
    The xcc700 compiler is currently very minimalistic, omitting more complex loop types as well as long and floating point types, for starters. There’s no optimization of the final code either, but considering that it’s 700 lines of code just for a PoC, there seems to be still plenty of room for improvement.

    With two cores at 240 MHz and about 8.5 MB of non-banked RAM if you’re using the right ESP32-S3 version, this MCU seems at least in terms of specifications to be quite the mini PC. Obviously …

  • Almost 80 European deep tech university spinouts reached $1B valuations or $100M in revenue in 2025According to Dealroom’s European Spinout Report 2025, 76 European deep tech and life sciences spinouts have either reached $1 billion valuations, $100 million in revenue, or both.

    According to Dealroom’s European Spinout Report 2025, 76 European deep tech and life sciences spinouts have either reached $1 billion valuations, $100 million in revenue, or both.

  • It’s official – raving is the UK’s favourite way to celebrate New Years EveWhether you’re planning to dance the night away or watch the fireworks at home, there’s a New Years Eve celebration to suit everyone. But, if you’re from the UK, we’re willing to bet that you’ll be out raving this year.
    In a new study shared by ATV Today, ticketing platform SeatPick tallied up search statistics to discover this year’s most in-demand NYE events. According to Google Analytics, the Brits love a good rave; on average, Google was clocking in around 598 searches for ‘New Years Eve raves’ each month as the end of the year drew nearer.

    READ MORE: The best free and paid-for plugins you need to know about this week

    The avid hunger for a wild rave is a sure sign of Britain’s flourishing nightlife; despite fears that the UK club and rave scene have been on the decline, this shows a clear desire to get out and take advantage of the rave havens still going strong.
    Clubs were also within the top 10 most in-demand NYE events, coming in third place with 245 average monthly searches. Again, a great sign of Brits embracing club culture, despite the overwhelming number of club closures over the last few years.
    In terms of specific regions, clubbing was the most-searched activity specifically Luton and West Bromwich. So, if you’re still pondering where to celebrate the New Year, that’s where the most wild festivities might be taking place.
    Elsewhere, the statistics also highlight a love for live music. Concerts earned 220 average searches, coming in fourth place, while other variations (‘live music’, ‘festivals’ and ‘opera’) also ranked within the top 10.
    Of course, SeatPick’s statistics also serve as a reminder that not everyone is a party animal. The second most popular search for New Years Eve has been cinema screenings, earning 459 average searches. The seventh most popular search was also for spa days, so it seems like plenty of British people are keen to relax and replenish before 2026 rolls in.
    “New Year’s Eve has become far more than a traditional night out,” SeatPick’s chief executive, Gilad Zilberman explains [via ATV Today]. “It’s now a reflection of how people choose to connect and celebrate.”
    Regardless of whether you’re planning to dance the night away or cuddle up on the sofa with the fireworks, just make it a night to remember. Or one to forget, if that’s what you’re after…
    The post It’s official – raving is the UK’s favourite way to celebrate New Years Eve appeared first on MusicTech.

  • Soft Loop Audio releases FREE Harmonic Echo generative MIDI plugin
    Soft Loop Audio has released Harmonic Echo, a free generative MIDI delay plugin for macOS, Windows, and Linux. I was contacted by the developer behind Soft Loop Audio about this release, and instantly loved the concept. After spending some (very short, unfortunately) time with Harmonic Echo, I can safely say it’s unlike any MIDI effects I’ve [...]
    View post: Soft Loop Audio releases FREE Harmonic Echo generative MIDI plugin

    Soft Loop Audio has released Harmonic Echo, a free generative MIDI delay plugin for macOS, Windows, and Linux. I was contacted by the developer behind Soft Loop Audio about this release, and instantly loved the concept. After spending some (very short, unfortunately) time with Harmonic Echo, I can safely say it’s unlike any MIDI effects I’ve

  • A Guide to Using Apple Music for Artists to Promote Your New MusicA guide for promoting your music through Apple Music for Artists. Here's everything you need to know if you're an indie artist.
    The post A Guide to Using Apple Music for Artists to Promote Your New Music appeared first on Hypebot.

    A guide for promoting your music through Apple Music for Artists. Here's everything you need to know if you're an indie artist.

  • The Usual Suspects officially release JE-8086, a FREE Roland JP-8080 emulation
    Developer the Usual Suspects has officially released JE-8086, their free Roland JP-8080 emulation for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The Usual Suspects announced plans to release a Roland JP-8080 emulation a while back, and as expected, it generated quite a buzz. The excitement over any release from The Usual Suspects is merited and comes from an [...]
    View post: The Usual Suspects officially release JE-8086, a FREE Roland JP-8080 emulation

    Developer the Usual Suspects has officially released JE-8086, their free Roland JP-8080 emulation for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The Usual Suspects announced plans to release a Roland JP-8080 emulation a while back, and as expected, it generated quite a buzz. The excitement over any release from The Usual Suspects is merited and comes from an

  • Jacob Varghese of Noctil Shares His 2026 Music PredictionsHypebot's Future Predictions series is back. Join us as we ask the music industry's expert analysts what they think might unfold in the world of music in 2026.
    The post Jacob Varghese of Noctil Shares His 2026 Music Predictions appeared first on Hypebot.

    Hypebot is asking the music industry's expert analysts what they think might unfold in the world of music in 2026...

  • MusicTech’s favourite outboard gear releases of 2025Visit any commercial studio, even smaller ones, and we’ll bet you find some outboard gear in use. Whether it’s a simple mic preamp unit, a hardware compressor, EQ, or master bus processor, or many rack units stacked together, producers everywhere appreciate the power, flexibility, and ultimately the sound that these products can contribute to their workflow.

    READ MORE: MusicTech’s favourite studio gear of 2025

    Here, we share some of the standout releases from 2025, including updated versions of classics, more affordable recreations of others and even some unique gear that lets you integrate rack processing directly into your DAW with no latency.
    LANG Electronics P.LANE Type 436
    Image: Heritage Audio
    [products ids=”1OjlmiLmEzjC0umza61BNe”]
    LANG Electronics released the P.LANE Type 436 all-tube vari-mu compressor, which it calls a modern take on the modified ALTEC 436C behind “the fresh and furious British Invasion sound that conquered the world in the ‘60s”. Its 2U rack body contains three tubes matching the design of the original hardware, six-step attack and recovery controls and a SuperFast recovery setting not found in the vintage 436C units.
    Described as one of the most “mysterious” variable gain compressors of all time, the modded ALTEC 436C was notably used on recordings by The Beatles and became a staple of many other genres over time.
    Learn more at heritageaudio.com
    Elysia xmax
    Rack version. Image: Press
    [products ids=”5ID6LUFEZLH8cbAWLDXUdj”]
    xmax from German outboard specialists Elysia is a master bus processor with both multi-band and mid/sides VCA-flavour compression, soft clipping, stereo enhancement and a simple EQ. It’s designed to sit across your mix or your master channel and provide all the tools you need to get perfect-sounding end results. In fact, the developers tout its abilities not just for mastering but also for band recording or managing a live performance.
    In our review, we break down the complex processes by which the unit – which is also available in different form factors – splits and processes sound in order to work with it. After extensive testing, we conclude that it’s the perfect one-box solution for top-grade hardware mastering, “introducing analogue vibe through compression, saturation and tone shaping, while also offering creative stereo enhancement possibilities.”
    Learn more at elysia.com
    Warm Audio WA76-D2

    [products ids=”2BTyyKhIJIDpzx4uSqvERn”]
    Building off the fame of vintage Rev D-style compressors, lauded manufacturer Warm Audio’s WA76-D/D2 includes all the controls of the original, one of the fastest and most powerful studio compressors of all time known for ultra-responsive dynamic control with rich analogue tone, now including additional modern recording features.
    Vintage ‘Rev D-Style’ 76 compressors are known for their versatility, speed and harmonic analogue tone and like the originals, the WA76-D and D2 deliver that classic performance that can be heard on legendary recordings by artists like Missy Elliott, Daft Punk, Timbaland, Rick Rubin. In our review we concluded “for a cleaner, less coloured and slightly more ‘hi-fi’ sound that still possesses that authentic ‘76 style from the mid-1970s, the Rev D models are hard to beat.”
    Learn more at warmaudio.com
    Antelope Audio A4-1B
    Antelope Audio A4-1B. Image: Press
    [products ids=”1Mlzlxa2HCzpkD1q2dfWSx”]
    Better known for its high-end audio interfaces, Antelope Audio’s A4-1B is an analogue automated opto-valve compressor in a 2U rack. A4-1B was designed to preserve vintage Opto-Tube units’ legendary smoothness and musicality. Even when pushed to the limit, the compressor remains transparent, breathing new life into vocal tracks, bass, keys, or percussion.
    But there’s more. This unit features unusual motorized potentiometers, allowing instant recall of patches and settings on the actual hardware front panel which is hardly ever found in rack gear, and allows the hardware to be automated from a DAW. It also links to a special plug-in version of the compressor although this is a paid extra, with different levels of access based on which tier you choose. Nonetheless it’s a new take on an outboard classic.
    Learn more at antelopeaudio.com
    Behringer 676
    Image: Behringer
    [products ids=”4b6k56AIg9zzo6u1g42Ky8″]
    Behringer continues to produce versions of well-known hardware at more competitive price points, and in 2025, it released the 676, a recreation of Universal Audio’s 6176 with its “classic” vacuum tube preamplifier and FET-style compressor.
    The original 6176 apparently “served as the secret sauce” for some well-known artists and recording engineers such as Norah Jones, John Mayer, and even producers like Tony Visconti. Behringer says it wants to keep the “classic alive” with the 676, which has custom-built Midas transformers and premium 12AX7/ECC83S and 12AT7/6072 tubes for a “warm and rich sound”.
    It also has 2-band shelving EQ with switchable filters, switchable pad, phase reverse and vintage-style meters. Featuring a powerful FET compressor with an ultra-fast attack time of 20 to 800 microseconds, 676 ensures precise control over transients. Its adjustable release time, from 50 to 1100 milliseconds, allows for tailored control over dynamics.
    Learn more at behringer.com
    Neve 88C

    This super compact unit brings the legendary sound of Neve compression to your desktop. First introduced in the 1970s, Neve’s VCA compressors offered greater precision and flexibility compared to the classic, gentle compression of the Neve Diode Bridge design. Powered by USB-C, this unit has a maximum +18dB threshold and built-in limiting capabilities and works as a standalone stereo or mono compressor, delivering up to a massive -50dB of gain reduction.
    Other features include brickwall limiting, adaptive attack and intelligent release capabilities, variable sidechain filtering and a true bypass design. While you would usually need to budget for lots of money and space to get that Neve sound, the 88C makes it accessible to almost any producer.
    Learn more at ams-neve.com
    Freqport FreqInOut F01

    This innovative hardware unit is an audio I/O device that lets you integrate hardware outboard effects and processing directly into your DAW without loads of fussy routing and cabling. As the developers explain: “The FreqInOut couldn’t be easier to use. Just plug it in with a single USB cable, install the software, power up, open the interface, and connect your outboard equipment.”
    The built-in hardware Matrix allows you to reconfigure the signal flow through your outboard equipment and does so without adding latency. You can even capture your hardware settings by scanning a QR Code and create a custom skin inside the plug-in. It’s also expandable, allowing you to add four or eight more I/O features, a Mid-Side mode, a Hardware Mix for parallel processing, and uses top-tier ESS 32 bit converters with support for up to 192kHz sample rates. It’s a “missing link” between the hardware and software sides of your studio setup.
    Learn more at freqport.com
    The post MusicTech’s favourite outboard gear releases of 2025 appeared first on MusicTech.

    Here is MusicTech’s favourite outboard gear from 2025, including updated versions of classics and more affordable recreations of others

  • ATC launch SCM105AC Pro & SCM105AiWC Pro ATC have announced the launch of a two new three-way monitors designed to take on centre-channel duties in surround and immersive systems.

    ATC have announced the launch of a two new three-way monitors designed to take on centre-channel duties in surround and immersive systems.

  • RIP Nigerian Afro-Rock Music Percussionist/Drummer Remi Kabaka Tony Amadi a journalist on PressReader.com reported news of Remi Kabaka’s passing on December 20, 2025. 

    “Rock music percussionist of international repute and Nigeria’s unsung hero Remi Kabaka has passed on at 80 with details of his death still shrouded in uncertainty. He died in Los Angeles where he lived his final days on earth on December 8, 2025. 

    “He was the most influential rock musician in Nigeria history but he never flaunted the roles he played to make Nigerian music great.” 

    The musician and master of the talking drum was born March 27, 1945 in Ghana to Nigerian parents.  Kabaka relocated to London in the mid-sixties, and became a central figure in the city’s expat music scene inside venues like Club Afrique in Soho.     

    I knew of Remi Kabaka’s African rhythmic contributions to several Island Records discs, and Paul McCartney & Wings’ Band On The Run, along with studio sessions and live road work with Ginger Baker’s Air Force, Hugh Masekela, and Paul Simon’s Rhythm of the Saints tour.  Kabaka also wrote the tune “Happy Vibes” on the Steve Winwood four-CD set, The Finer Things.  

    During the 1970s, Remi was entrenched in the afro-jazz scene and composed the 1978 soundtrack to director Ola Balogun’s Black Goddess. 

    In June, 2001, The L.A. Weekly nominated Remi Kabaka in their awards category for “Best World Percussionist.” 

    Over the last 25 years, Kabaka was booked in clubs and hotels around the beach community of Santa Monica.            

    “To start with, I’m here to support with my hands,” explained Remi in a 2001 interview with me. 

    “You establish support, and then it builds. The talking drum is an amazing instrument. It does everything that a drum can do, but it spreads the keys too.  It has taken me years to transpose all the stuff on to the talking drum.  That comes from experience as well. The vibe is almost scientific.  We tell stories with our hands and fingers,” emphasized Kabaka.  

    “I’ve worked with John Martyn, Stevie Winwood, Jim Capaldi, John Lennon, George Harrison, Brian Jones, Keith Richards, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Arthur Lee, Denny Laine, Bob Marley, Stephen Stills, Mariam Makeba, Doris Troy, Paul McCartney, and the Rolling Stones.”

    Remi appeared three times with the Stones providing percussion during “Sympathy for the Devil” in 2002 and 2003 Southern California shows. Kabaka was on stage at their July 1969 Hyde Park London concert event. 

    This century, Kabaka recorded with guitarist Toulouse Engelhardt and producer Chris Darrow, and sessions with the production duo Tea.   

    In our conversation, I asked about Jimi Hendrix. Kabaka knew Jimi, and occasionally played and jammed with him in the studio. 

    “I called him Marshall,” Remi recalled,” a loving nod to his civilian name, James Marshall Hendrix. 

    On March 17, 1970 Kabaka and Hendrix were invited by Love co-founder Arthur Lee to Olympic Studios in London and cut “The Everlasting First,” with Lee. It was included as part of Love’s False Start.  

    I was aware of the association Remi had to Bob Marley and the Wailers.  He encountered Marley in very late 1970 or early 1971 at the time Bob was doing live dates in England with songwriter, mentor and music publisher, Johnny Nash.  

    When Marley with the Wailers arrived in the UK for their own debut, it was Kabaka recommending his guitarist, Al Anderson for the band, and suggested another guitarist who joined Marley and the Wailers, Junior Marvin.  

    Kabaka earlier studied under master percussionist and musician Ambrose Campbell, who Fela Kuti has hailed as “the father of modern Nigerian music.” 

    In the mid-seventies Leon Russell invited Campbell to record and tour with him. In 1979 Leon introduced me to Ambrose, and continued to praise him globally as his “spiritual adviser.”   

    “I feel a sense of pride checking out world beat and global music saturating the planet,” Remi emphasized. “I’ve been watching and helping spread the African beat around the world for the past 35 years.  

    “Now I’ve got out all my recipes in a big pot.  It’s an amazing soup and all this experience of a half a century. We now get to utilize different tempos and timings in the structure of the items we record and perform together,” he summarized. 

    Remi Kabaka is the father of artist and musician Remi Kabaka Jr., since 2015, the drummer, voice over artist and a producer of the virtual rock group the Gorillaz.  

    (Harvey Kubernik is the author of 20 books, including 2009’s Canyon Of Dreams: The Magic And The Music Of Laurel Canyon, 2014’s Turn Up The Radio! Rock, Pop and Roll In Los Angeles 1956-1972, 2015's Every Body Knows: Leonard Cohen, 2016's Heart of Gold Neil Young and 2017's 1967: A Complete Rock Music History of the Summer of Love. 

    Harvey and Kenneth Kubernik’s published The Story Of The Band: From Big Pink To The Last Waltz in 2018. In 2021 the duo wrote Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child. 

    Harvey’s Screen Gems: (Pop Music Documentaries and Rock ‘n’ Roll TV Scenes) is scheduled for 2026 publication).  The post RIP Nigerian Afro-Rock Music Percussionist/Drummer Remi Kabaka  first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

    Tony Amadi a journalist on PressReader.com reported news of Remi Kabaka’s passing on December 20, 2025. “Rock music percussionist of international repute and Nigeria’s unsung hero Remi Kabaka has passed on at 80 with details of his death still shrouded in uncertainty. He died in Los Angeles where he lived his final days on earth