ony Allen was a genius drummer who defined Afrobeat, combining American Jazz and Nigerian Highlife to create a cross-cultural dialogue that has gone global. His music stands as an ongoing testament to the interconnected musical relationships and dialogues across the African diaspora and their lasting influence on how we listen.

Allen’s drumming was polyrhythmic, meaning that he played multiple rhythms simultaneously. This was a key element of Afrobeat, and it helped to create a unique and danceable sound. Allen was also a master of improvisation, and he would often change his patterns on the fly, keeping audiences on their toes.

Allen’s influence can be heard in many different genres of music, including Jazz, Funk, Soul, and Hip-Hop. He collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Fela Kuti, Damon Albarn, and Jeff Mills. He was also a mentor to many younger musicians, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians around the world.