BABA IDRIS/Idris Daniel (he/him) is an accomplished performing artist whose love for West African music and dance was shaped by Chicago’s rich arts community. At age 10, he joined SPIRITS S.O.A., a youth training program where he studied traditional West African masquerade dance. By 12, he was a principal drummer for the Sundance Multiple Performing Arts Company.
In 1997, Idris began training with Muntu Dance Theatre under Artistic Director Amaniyea Payne, which led to his evolution as a teaching artist. He has since led programs for After School Matters, Gallery 37, and Chicago Public Schools, and has taught workshops across North America. Known for his infectious energy and deep cultural knowledge, Idris has performed with global icons including Beyoncé, Busta Rhymes, and Weedie Brimah.
His studies have taken him to Senegal, Gambia, Cuba, Mexico, and South America to explore diverse traditional music forms. From 2019 to 2025, he served as Associate Artistic Director of Muntu Dance Theatre.
Idris is now focused on creating a platform to educate Chicago’s inner-city youth on the global contributions of the African Diaspora—using dance, music, and art to inspire pride, creativity, and cultural understanding.
Featured Artworks
You say you wanna dance but did you ask the drummer, 2024
Performance with Muntu Dance Theater
Image by Bre (@itsabrething)
Thank you, 2024
Performance with Muntu Dance Theater
Image by Bre (@itsabrething)
Let the drum speak, 2025
SHAKARA Part of Northwestern University’s Afribeats & Beyond Symposiums
Image by Tafari Melisizwe