pianist Perfomer Composer Educator
“Baraka stands out for his rare ability to fuse East African rhythmic languages with jazz improvisation into a clear, contemporary sound. He turns groove, body percussion, and interlocking patterns into strong compositional ideas, not just accompaniment, creating music that is both sophisticated and immediately felt. Just as importantly, he connects performance, composition, and education into one community-centered practice, giving his work depth and real cultural purpose.”
About Me
Baraka Issabu is a Tanzanian pianist, music educator, composer, arranger, and producer based in Helsinki, Finland. Rooted in East African musical traditions, his work blends traditional rhythms and melodic language with Afrojazz, Afro-fusion and Jazz, with the piano as the core storytelling instrument. Through his involvement with the East Africa Global Music Campus (Tanzania), Baraka has deepened his practice in documenting, performing and transmitting regional music cultures. In 2023, he moved to Finland to pursue his Bachelor’s and Master’sdegree in the Global Music Programme at Sibelius Academy, expanding his artistic horizons through rigorous study and intercultural collaboration.
Live & Studio
I perform in settings ranging from intimate concert halls to high-energy club nights and festival stages. Sets can be tailored to your program—solo piano, small ensemble, or full band—with space for improvisation, dynamic builds, and deep rhythmic interlocking. Available formats Solo / Duo: piano-led storytelling with flexible dynamics and intimate detail Ensemble / Quintet: Afro-jazz & Afro-fusion repertoire with extended grooves and improvisation Concert + workshop programs: rhythm-led learning sessions followed by a performance or sharing
In the studio, I work as a pianist/keyboardist, composer, arranger, and producer, shaping recordings that keep the rhythmic DNA clear while serving the song and the artist’s vision. I’m available for both on-site and remote collaborations depending on the project.
Studio services
- Session piano/keys (tracks, albums, live session recordings)
- Composition for recordings, film, and interdisciplinary projects
- Arranging for bands/ensembles (groove architecture, horn lines, harmony, form)
- Pre-production support: structure, tempo mapping, rehearsal planning, and demo development
piano Lessons
Jazz, African Rhythms & Creative Expression
Techniques & Tips
Individual and group piano lessons.
Whether you are a beginner looking to find your voice, or an experienced player aiming to expand your harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary, my piano lessons offer a holistic approach to music-making. My teaching is built on a foundation of Jazz and African musical traditions, focusing not just on reading notes, but on developing a deep understanding of groove, improvisation, and expressive storytelling.
I believe that the piano is a narrative instrument. In our lessons, we will explore:
- Jazz Harmony & Improvisation: Building a functional understanding of chords, scales, and the language of jazz to help you play freely.
- African Rhythmic Concepts: Developing precision, independence, and “feel”—learning how to integrate traditional rhythmic patterns into contemporary piano playing.
- Technique & Artistry: Developing healthy technique, tone production, and the ability to articulate your musical ideas with confidence.
- Listening & Theory: Training your ear to understand what you hear and using theory as a tool to unlock your creativity.
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