Kofi Baker is recognized for his dynamic playing and deep connection to rock and jazz‑influenced music. Born March 28, 1969, in London, England, he is the son of legendary drummer Ginger Baker. Kofi has forged his own distinguished career through decades of performance, touring, recording, and teaching.
Baker’s first public performance occurred when he was just six years old, playing with his father on the UK television program The Old Grey Whistle Test. In the early 1980s, he and Ginger toured Europe performing drum duets that blended rock with complex African polyrhythms. As he matured into a professional musician, Kofi toured and played with a wide range of artists, including John Etheridge of Soft Machine, Steve Waller of Manfred Mann, Randy California of Spirit, and Steve Marriott’s Humble Pie.
During the 1990s, Baker toured with Jack Bruce in Budapest, signed with Scotty Brothers Records, and recorded the album Lost City. He also collaborated on the project Abstract Logic with bassist Jonas Hellborg and guitarist Shawn Lane, further establishing his versatility and technical skill. Later, he relocated to the United States, where he continued to record and perform while building a reputation as an educator through his own drum school and clinics.
In 2015, Baker joined The Extreme Guitar Tour alongside former Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth, Vinny Appice, and Vinnie Moore. That same year, Kofi participated in the historic Cream reunion concerts at Madison Square Garden and went on to develop his own project celebrating the music of Cream. From 2017 through 2022, he was a core member of The Music Of Cream 50th Anniversary Tour, a band honoring the legacy of Cream. Since then, he has focused on the project Sons of Cream with Malcolm Bruce, continuing the musical heritage of the original band members’ families.
Baker’s playing is noted for its strength, musicality, and seamless blend of rock’s power with jazz‑inspired complexity. In addition to his performance career, he has made a significant impact as an instructor, sharing his passion and insight with students of all ages.
Gear:
Kofi Baker plays William F. Ludwig III drums exclusively, reflecting a commitment to high-quality, hand-crafted instruments that honor the American Ludwig drum heritage. He pairs these with Zildjian cymbals, sticks, and Evans drumheads.
Sources
Official Kofi Baker bio and website, Drummerszone artist profile, press and tour features, and contemporary music press coverage.
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Update 1/16/26