CI to Eye with Monica Holt Babatunde Akinboboye on Hip Hopera, Authenticity, and Letting Audiences Lead
Reimagining a centuries-old art form takes more than talent; it takes courage, curiosity, and a deep belief that tradition can evolve. Few embody that spirit like Babatunde Akinboboye.
A classically trained baritone and viral “hip hopera” artist, Babatunde is redefining what opera can sound like—and who it’s for. His mashups of rap and arias have captivated millions online, and garnered attention from The Ellen Show, America's Got Talent and TIME Magazine. He’s now channeling that distinctive style into his upcoming debut album.
In this episode, Babatunde shares how he discovered opera by chance, what it took to find his artistic voice in a space that didn’t always reflect him, and how blending genres can make opera feel newly accessible. He also offers insight into building genuine audience connections and broadening ideas of what great music can be.
LINKS:
TIME Magazine | Hero Masterfully Creates His Own Hip-Hopera While Driving