Hip Hopera: The Art of Audacity and Breaking Boundaries with Babatunde Akinboboye
In this episode, Chisom sits with Nigerian-American baritone Babatunde Akinboboye, creator of Hip Hopera — a bold fusion of opera and hip hop. He reflects on identity, authenticity, and the viral moment that introduced his sound to the world. Together, they explore cultural intersection, artistic freedom, and using music to challenge elitism and expand what art can be.
With Babatunde Akinboboye
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Show Notes
Babatunde Akinboboye is a Nigerian-American baritone and the creator of Hip Hopera — a groundbreaking fusion of classical opera and hip hop that has redefined how audiences experience both art forms. Born in the United States and raised partly in Lagos, Babatunde’s dual heritage has deeply shaped his identity and artistry. He embodies the richness of cultural intersection, bringing opera down from gilded stages and into spaces where rhythm, storytelling, and authenticity thrive.
His viral performance of Figaro’s Aria layered over Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” introduced the world to Hip Hopera and cemented his place as one of today’s most innovative voices in music. But beyond the viral moment lies a story of resilience, belonging, and freedom. Babatunde speaks openly about learning to own both his Nigerian and American identities, and discovering that authenticity — not perfection — is the true measure of artistry.
For him, music is not just sound, it is history, memory, and affirmation. Whether performing on global stages or blending Afrobeats with classical cadences, Babatunde uses his voice to challenge elitism, disrupt expectations, and create permission for others to be fully themselves. His artistry is a reminder that opera belongs to everyone, that music’s highest calling is to make us feel, and that freedom comes when we dare to live without apology.
Today, Babatunde is more than a singer. He is a cultural innovator, a storyteller, and a bridge-builder — inspiring a generation to see that what is possible in art is also possible in life: courage, disruption, and belonging.
Connect with Babatunde:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babatunde_hiphopera/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@babatunde_hiphopera?_t=ZN-8zDWzhJ0cEA&_r=1
Website: https://www.babatundebaritone.com/
EP on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3c0SM7creDhBIInuG75NiW
Apple: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/della-citta-single/1462966120
Newsletter: https://hiphopera.kit.com/ea6ddca09d