1. 1JAKUBU GRIFFIN – Drummer/Percussionist
JakubuDrum1@aol.com (646) 522-4426
Jakubu Griffin is truly one of Las Vegas and NYC’s most versatile drummers. Son of
trombonist Dick Griffin, his childhood was surrounded by music. Growing up with many musical
instruments and influences around him, he was always drawn to percussion and can remember playing the
drums as early as age 3 or 4. He started studying classical piano at age 5, and later added the trumpet.
When his trumpet teacher needed a drummer for the elementary school jazz band he jumped at the
opportunity, influenced by his close friend Nasheet Waits, and inspired by his fathers best friends Freddie
Waits and Billy Hart. Focusing mainly on classical percussion he attended the North Carolina school of the
arts in high school, and majored in percussion performance at Indiana University. While at Indiana U. he
also continued his jazz studies with Dr. David Baker, and was honored to be selected as a member of
Baker’s band as a freshman. Meanwhile, he continued to progress in his classical endeavors winning an IU
concerto competition in 1992.
Leaving Indiana to pursue his career he began his musical adventure playing with jazz greats such
as Harry “Sweets Edison, Buddy Defranco, Eddie “Doc” Henderson and Cal Collins, as well as the young
lions Donald Harrison, James Carter, Derrick & Vincent Gardner, Wes Anderson, and Mark Turner. He has
excelled in musical theater doing many different shows with people like Chaka Khan, David Cassidy,
Sheena Easton, Peabo Bryson, Melissa Manchester, Barbara Eden, and also served as a musical director for
Premier cruise lines, Kings Island/Kings Productions, and many other shows and bands. During that time
he worked extensively with Motown jazz artist Pharez Whitted, and recorded his first album with him on
the Mojazz/Motown record label. He also recorded the soundtrack to the film “New York in the Fifties”,
and has done numerous recordings for various artists, commercials, and backup tracks.
Jakubu is well known for his variety, and ability to play all musical styles well. During his career
he has performed with artists like Percy Sledge, Benny Golson, Marlena Shaw, Carl Fontana, and Nicholas
Payton to name a few. He has appeared on the TV show “Entertainment Tonight”, and has opened up for
acts like Jay Leno, and Tower of Power. Although NYC will always be home to Jakubu, he is also one of
the top drummers in Las Vegas where his skills lead him to work with many of the top performers and
bands there. While in Vegas in the early 2000’s, he was featured in a show with David Cassidy and Sheena
Easton called “At The Copa”, and filled in occasionally in Cassidy’s production of “The Rat Pack is
Back”. Following that he toured the country as the drummer with David Cassidy’s band. Later on Jakubu
was the musical contractor and drummer for the show “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” a musical celebration of
the music of Stevie Wonder featuring Chaka Khan, Peabo Bryson, and Melissa Manchester.
Jakubu is in high demand with top artists around the world. Right now he is currently the drummer
for Cirque Du Soleil’s production of Zarkana which premiered at NYC’s world famous Radio City Music
Hall in June of 2011, moving on to Madrid Spain, as well as having a historic run at the Kremlin Theater in
Moscow Russia in 2012. Jakubu has performed and toured with Ryko/Warner recording artist Matt White,
as well as Broadway stars Tracie Thoms (Rent, Cold Case), and recording artist Shoshana Bean (Wicked).
He has also toured and recorded with jazz trumpet virtuoso Dave Douglas. Jakubu’s powerful yet very
musical drumming reputation has been highly appreciated by many musicians and music lovers both here
and abroad.