David Coleman was Born in Harlem, NY on June 15, 1948, to the late John Coleman Sr. and Edwina Coleman. He was the 7^th of 8 children.  He was raised in Harlem where he attended P.S. 119 and Junior High School P.S. 139.

Even as a young man he was an entrepreneur. He sold newspapers and had an icy stand, which started to get so busy, that he had to hire other boys to help with his routes. David had many different jobs in his early years until the early 60’s when his eldest sister Vivian, who was involved in African Dance, introduced him to African culture and the Yoruba faith. It is then that the man we know now as Baba David Coleman was born. With the guidance of his two older sisters, Barbara, and Frances, he became more involved with the Yoruba lifestyle and faith.

Growing up in the rough streets of New York, David was faced with many challenges.  In November of 1987, Baba was initiated and made Ocha to the House Ile Omo Olo Fi.  He became a child of Obatala. As a priest of Obatala, he was deemed royalty and kingly.  His responsibility is to all. It was then that his focus to serve his community strengthened.

Being introduced to the Yoruba faith also played a major role in Baba’s life because the culture consists heavily of music. African drum, dance, and song accompanies the religious ceremonies. Baba fell in love with the music and dance. With mentors like Baba Chief Bey and Baba Femi, David was taught these African arts. Over the years he became a master orator of Orisha songs, West African drumming, and Afro-Cuban rhythm and dance. Baba then began performing extensively. As a performer, he had many accomplishments like being the lead drummer for the world-renown singer Babatunde Olatunji. Baba traveled the world and was a member of countless bands. His love for the drum transcended cultural lines such as playing with bands like The Afro-Semitic Connection. It would be impossible to count how many performances he has done in his lifetime. It has been that many.  In addition to performing, Baba became a master teacher as well. Over a forty-year career in teaching, he has taught students of all races, ages, and walks of life. Adored by his students, Baba had a unique way of making everyone feel special and at ease no matter their skill level. He was a one-of-a-kind combination of father, teacher, and performer for many. Truly a child of Obatala!

Baba had 3 wives in which he had children. David Jr. with Marilyn Pinder, Olugbala, Olori and Oni with Debra Manns and Maya with Lyneise Williams. Baba also had two other significant unions with Erica Tyler and adopted daughter Ayodele and Linda Thomas Jones.

Baba’s favorite pastime was sitting in his comfortable home and making a drum or shakere. Besides teaching and performing, he was also a master drum maker and a collector of instruments from all over the world. He enjoyed traveling and spreading his knowledge of culture while being a student and learning at the same time. He also enjoyed a good meal. Rice was his favorite. Afrika!

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Coleman, Sr., and Edwina Coleman; brothers, John Coleman, Jr., and Ronald Coleman; sisters, Doris Lyons and Barbara Kenyatta Bey.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, David Coleman, Jr., Olugbala Coleman, Olori Manns, Oni Manns; Maya Coleman; sisters, Vivian (Francis) Dumashie, Frances Humphrey; brother, Rodney (Sandy) Coleman; grandchildren, Sierra, Timera, Taye, Paula, Malik, Olori, Jr., Amir, twins, Kehinde and Taiwo, Micah.