Alaba Ilesanmi, Ph.D.

Dr. Ilesanmi is a scholar-musician and the incoming Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He also serves as the Artistic Director of Àkójopò’s concert series and creative initiatives, directing its artistic, cultural, and intellectual visions. In this role, he curates public-facing projects that blend creativity, community engagement, and scholarship. His approach blurs the lines between artistic expression, performance, and academic inquiry, pushing innovative boundaries in art music composition, artistic production, and community engagement.

As a scholar, his research broadly focuses on the histories and futures of global Black music, sound, and expressive cultures, addressing various topics, including African art music, Afrobeat(s), Afro-nightlife scenes, and sacred traditions.

His work has received support from several prestigious institutions, including the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), the West African Research Association (WARA), the Presser Foundation, and the Florida Education Fund.

In addition to his academic and artistic endeavors, Dr. Ilesanmi actively consults on creative and cultural projects. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, kayaking, and netflixing.

For more information, visit Dr. Ilesanmi’s personal website at : www.ai-musicology.com/