The Nigerian music industry has a rich history and is riddled with iconic artistes who made their mark before leaving to the world beyond.
The trio – legendary Orlando Julius Ekemode; highlife musician and producer of repute, Pa Chris Ajilo and the juju exponent, Sir I.K Dairo are musicians whose impact in the musici industry is still speaking.
One major thing is that they all hail from Ijebu Ijesha/ Ilesha axis in Osun State, the land of creativity, where the source of Yoruba race historically emanated from.
Isaiah Kehinde Dairo MBE, who died February 1996 was a colossus in the Nigerian music industry and inspired so many juju musicians. Aside being credited to be a man of faith having brought the C and S Church to Nigeria, the ‘Mo sorire’ exponent sired children like Paul Play Dairo who has extended his relevance in the today’s music industry.
Chris Ajilo, who celebrated his 94th post humourous birthday on December 26, 2023, was among the few artistes that performed at Nigeria’s Independence Orchestra in 1960.
Ajilo’s son, Korede who spoke exclusively about his dad said that “since the transition of our dad, & great grandpa two years ago, The family have been coping but we are really missing him. The vacuum caused by his death is too a great loss”.
Korede who is a civil servant at Bariga suburbs of Lagos noted that Chris Ajilo’s simplicity and originality is a virtue as he never pretends and he is very considerate man in his views of life.
“I grew up to him as a celebrity as a child and up to when he transited. The people should celebrate and remember him for his unprecedented commitment to the growth Nigerian and African beats. He is a music educator and he promotes professional in music.
He is more concern about the music industry and her remuneration strategies. He is a committed music and labour activist for better better and secure future for musician, says Korede Ajilo.
Ajilo composed the iconic EKO O GBA GBERE that promoted Lagos State and others Like ARIWO, EMI MIMO. One of the major lessons among this trio was that they honed their craft, learned and mastered an instrument.
Legendary Orlando Julius Ekemode who died in 2022 needs no introduction for having promoted his brand of hi-life to the Western world. In four decades of his music career, the Nigerian saxophonist, singer, bandleader, and songwriter closely associated with afrobeat music, impacted and build bridges across different musicians both home and abroad across different genres. His widow is living up his dream with the Orlando Julius Afro High (OJAH) Festival soon to kick off.
Just like other music greats, I.K Dairo, Chris Ajilo and O.J Ekemode were passionate about music and wants the younger generation to carry the touch of hope undeterred and merriment in life affairs.
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