Global Rhythms

AfroBeats King, RnB, Trap

Global Rhythms on SoundBetter

Crowned as the Afrobeat King with Soul, I create music that moves both the body and the spirit. My signature sound blends the infectious rhythms of Afrobeat with the uplifting essence of life, delivering a universal energy that transcends cultures and unites people worldwide. Whether you need powerful production, soulful percussion, or a

Rolando Howard was born in Brooklyn, NY with roots in Panama and West Africa. He began studying music at the age of seven under the late Joan Richardson with The World Ensemble. Over the last 20+ years he has mastered
various instruments and performed in countless venues along the east coast as a freelance musician. He plays the Bass guitar, Trumpet, Piano, Trap set, Tuba, Balafon, and all instruments that make the family of the Djembe orchestra.

Rolando Howard has collaborated with many groups and organizations in the Washington DC area, New York, Richmond VA, Durham NC, Atlanta GA, and Orlando FL metropolitan areas. This includes studying under and accompanying Master Drummer of Guinea West Africa Mamadouba "mito" Camara, and Griot Master Balafonist Aboubacar Camara. He also has performed and taught with Babatunde Olatunji of Nigeria, Elegba Folklore Society, Ezibu Muntu African Dance & Cultural Foundation, Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble, Tallahassee Community College African Drum and Dance Ensemble, just to name a few. He is currently instructing an on-going class at Elegba Folklore Society. In the fall of 2008 he began as the musical director for TCC African Drum & Dance Ensemble. His latest project is the Healing Drums Project with the city of Fort Collins.

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Languages

  • English

Interview with Global Rhythms

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: One project I’m especially proud of is my first album, which allowed me to fully express my vision as the Afrobeat King with a Gospel Soul. I was the producer, arranger, and percussionist, handling everything from crafting the grooves to layering live percussion and gospel-inspired melodies. This album was a labor of love that fused authentic Afrobeat rhythms with uplifting gospel energy, and it taught me how to translate emotion into music that moves people physically and spiritually. Seeing listeners connect deeply with these songs is what makes this project so meaningful to me.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: Being a Better Human.

  5. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  6. A: Not at the moment.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: I work primarily in digital, because it offers flexibility, speed, and endless possibilities for crafting and refining music. That said, I prefer analog whenever possible—there’s a warmth, depth, and organic feel that only live instruments and vintage gear can bring. By blending digital precision with analog soul, I create tracks that are both polished and full of life, giving every project a unique, authentic energy.

  9. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  10. A: My promise to every client is simple: I will bring authentic rhythm, soulful energy, and unwavering professionalism to your project. I commit to understanding your vision, infusing it with my signature Afrobeat and gospel-inspired sound, and delivering music that moves people, inspires hearts, and stands out. When we work together, you’re not just getting a track—you’re getting a musical experience that’s universal, timeless, and unforgettable.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: What I love most about my job is bringing music to life in a way that moves people—both physically and spiritually. I get to fuse infectious Afrobeat rhythms with gospel soul, creating songs that make listeners dance, feel, and connect on a deeper level. Every project is an opportunity to share joy, hope, and energy, and knowing that the music I create can uplift hearts around the world is what makes this work truly rewarding.

  13. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  14. A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that producing Afrobeat or gospel-inspired music is just about creating catchy rhythms or melodies. In reality, it’s about crafting an experience—balancing infectious grooves with soulful emotion, live percussion, and spiritual energy so the music moves people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Every track is carefully designed to connect with listeners on multiple levels, not just to sound good.

  15. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  16. A: When I connect with a new client, I ask questions that help me understand both the sound they want and the feeling they want the listener to experience. Some of the key questions I ask are: • What’s the message or story you want your music to tell? • Which artists or songs inspire the vibe you’re going for? • Do you want the track to lean more toward Afrobeat, gospel, or a fusion of both? • What role do you see live percussion or unique instrumentation playing in your song? • How do you want people to feel when they hear this track? These questions guide me in shaping a production that not only meets their vision but also carries that universal rhythm and spiritual energy I’m known for.

  17. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  18. A: My advice for anyone looking to hire a provider like me is to choose someone who truly understands the emotion and energy you want your music to carry. Look for a collaborator who can bring both technical skill and soul—someone who can craft authentic rhythms, uplifting melodies, and arrangements that resonate with listeners. Be clear about your vision, communicate openly, and trust the process. When you work with the right producer, your song becomes more than a track—it becomes an experience that moves people physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

  19. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  20. A: My Djembe.

  21. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  22. A: My career path has been a journey guided by God, shaping my love for rhythm, melody, and spiritual music from an early age. I’ve spent over two decades mastering Afrobeat percussion, gospel arrangements, and production, learning to blend authentic African grooves with soulful, uplifting sounds. Every step of my path has been about honoring that gift and using it to create music that moves people physically and spiritually.

  23. Q: How would you describe your style?

  24. A: My style is a fusion of Afrobeat rhythm and gospel soul—music that moves your body while lifting your spirit. It’s rooted in the heartbeat of West African percussion, layered with uplifting melodies, and infused with messages of hope and unity. I create songs that are both universal and deeply spiritual, carrying the groove that fills dance floors and the soul that speaks to the heart.

  25. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  26. A: I would love to work with artists like Burna Boy or Wizkid, because they’ve taken Afrobeat to a global stage while staying true to its roots. Collaborating with them would allow me to bring my gospel foundation into that space and create something both powerful and universal. On the gospel side, working with Kirk Franklin would be a dream—his ability to merge faith with groove is exactly the spirit I carry in my music. Ultimately, I want to work with artists who believe music should move people—not just to dance, but to feel, heal, and unite.

  27. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  28. A: Do Overthink!

  29. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  30. A: My Specialty is Afro Beat but I'm very comfortable with most genres

  31. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  32. A: My strongest skill is blending infectious Afrobeat rhythms with the soul and depth of gospel music to create a sound that’s both universal and unforgettable. I have a gift for rhythmic arrangement and live percussion, bringing authentic African grooves into any style while keeping the message uplifting and powerful. Clients trust me to take their ideas and transform them into tracks that move people physically and spiritually.

  33. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  34. A: What I bring to a song is life, rhythm, and spirit. My Afrobeat foundation adds an undeniable groove that makes people move, while my gospel roots bring soul, depth, and emotion that truly connect with listeners. I fuse authentic percussion, uplifting melodies, and a sense of universality that makes every track feel bigger than the moment—it feels timeless. More than just production, I bring a message of hope and unity, ensuring the music doesn’t just sound good but also leaves an impact on hearts.

  35. Q: What's your typical work process?

  36. A: My work process always begins with listening deeply—to your vision, your story, and the emotion you want the music to carry. From there, I create the rhythmic foundation, often starting with authentic Afrobeat grooves and gospel-rooted chords that set the tone. I then layer live percussion, melodic elements, and textures that bring both energy and soul. Throughout the process, I stay highly collaborative, sharing drafts, welcoming feedback, and refining until the track feels complete. My goal is always the same: to deliver music that not only sounds great but also moves people—body, mind, and spirit.

  37. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  38. A: Please refer to pictures for my setup!

  39. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  40. A: I’m inspired by visionaries who create music that transcends borders and touches the spirit. From Fela Kuti’s pioneering Afrobeat energy to Burna Boy’s global crossover sound, I draw on the heartbeat of Africa. On the gospel side, I’m influenced by legends like Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond, who showed how faith and groove can live together in powerful ways. I also admire production giants like Quincy Jones and Pharrell Williams, whose ability to shape timeless, universal music pushes me to craft sounds that resonate worldwide.

  41. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  42. A: The most common work I do for clients is bringing their vision to life through Afrobeat-inspired production, live percussion, and gospel-rooted arrangements. Whether it’s crafting a full beat from scratch, layering authentic West African drums, or adding soulful textures that lift a track to new heights, I specialize in creating music that feels both universal and deeply spiritual. Clients come to me when they want their songs to carry rhythm, soul, and timeless energy—the kind of sound that moves people physically and emotionally.

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Compilation Tracks by Global Rhythms

I was the Producer, Engineer, Song Writer, Performer in this production

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GenresSounds Like
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