Ronald “Baba Atiba” Cockrell is a Master African Drummer and a native of Cincinnnati, Ohio.  Mr. Cockrell has been the drumming instructor for the African American Drum and Dance Ensemble for over 25 years.  He has worked with other groups such as:  Umoja One Drummers, Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, Drums for Peace of Cincinnati, Bi-okoto and Imani Drum and Dancers.

He has performed and lectured on African drumming for numerous organizations, companies, universities, collages and high schools for their Black History programs, graduations and rites of passage ceremonies.  Baba Atiba has also made several pilgrimages to Africa to study and perform.

His passion is working with youth!  Baba Atiba has designed programs to train youth in African art, culture, dance and drumming to establish and improve educational and behavioral goals.  These programs also provide an opportunity for understanding the world’s cultural similarities and differences; as well as utilizing math skills while boosting their self-esteem and pride.

African drumming nurtures the soul of our community.