Fathers’ Day: 5 music icons who have made a mark in the industry
To mark this year’s Fathers’ Day, we highlight 5 music fathers whose contributions to the industry cannot be ignored.
The Nigerian music industry and its export of Afrobeat(s) continue to dazzle the world as our brand of music is now heard in every corner of the world, whether it’s in a bar in New Delhi or before a champions league final match in Istanbul.
This global prominence has been brought about by a myriad of musicians with their craft and on the occasion of this year’s Fathers’ Day, we highlight 5 musical fathers whose contribution to the industry cannot be ignored.
1. Victor Olaiya
Dr. Victor Olaiya was a trumpeter and a bandleader whose Cool Cats performed during Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Nigeria, on Independence Day and when the country became a republic.
Olaiya was a Highlife and Jazz specialist who had the famous Fela Kuti and Tony Allen under his wings before both went on to establish Afrobeat. His influence on modern music is enduring, with awards and recognition to show for his pioneering efforts. The man branded the “evil genius of highlife” has a single ‘Baby jowo’ that continues to appears on playlists till today.
2. Fela Anikulapo Kuti
The homage that Fela Kuti receives from African artistes is enough portray his monumental legacies, chief of which was Afrobeat, which has evolved to become Afrobeats.
He took on the Nigerian government with his distinctive sound - a combination of Jazz, Funk, Highlife and traditional rhythms, redefining what it means to combine music and activism. His numerous children may not have had the best fathering from him but the music industry got the absolute best from him. Abami Eda’s songs get sampled till today, indirectly earning many artistes a fortune.
3. King Sunny Ade
Long before Afrobeats stars that are now Grammy contenders were born, King Sunny Ade had taken Juju music to the pinnacle of the world. Born Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, the legendary singer and entertainer, widely acclaimed the king of Juju, modernised the genre by blending traditional Yoruba music with Western sonic elements.
KSA’s energetic stage presence, dance moves and enthralling performance became his trademark. He was first nominated for the Grammys in 1984 following it up with another in 1999. The hope of Nigerians is that he continues to light up the stage for many more years.
4. 2baba
Innocent ‘2face’ Idibia, for his fatherly exploits alone, would have been atop this list. But he’s in the mention for his music achievements. The African queen crooner, at the turn of the millennium, set the pace and stage for the Afrobeats dominance we now applaud today.
His last album might have come in 2020 but he continues to feature on singles here and there while continuing to bag endorsements. He is easily one of the greatest Nigerian Pop musicians.
5. Don Jazzy
Before The Don, label executives were always away from the limelight, separating business from music. However, Michael ‘Don Jazzy’ Ajereh became a hybrid of producer, singer, label boss and scout.
He built on his partnership with D’banj at Mo’Hits to establish his own Mavin Records and has fathered multiple generations of singers. Tiwa, Wande, D’Prince gave way to Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Di’Ja. The likes of Johnny Drille and Ladipoe followed and it is currently the turn of Ayra Starr, Bayani, Magixx, Boy Spyce et al.
Despite his glowing track record of producing music stars, Don Jazzy still sings and appears in comic skits, making him the complete package entertainer.
Over to you, who else do you think deserves a mention on Fathers’ Day?