In 2022, I was surfing the Internet for music, Spotify music app to be precise, “Peaceful storm,“ a track from Veeesax’s “Life Journey,” was one of the random songs suggested. I played it, then checked out the other song that made up his two-packed extended play (EP).
I have been an admirer ever since. His sparse music has never been a problem, whenever he releases a song, it serves as a time capsule. An attempt to document a particular period, ease the mind of the listeners and perhaps put them in a good place before the next releases which are unpredictably infrequent.
You might be wondering about Veeesax, who he is, where his love for music comes from? Too many questions.
Born over three decades ago, real name Victor Ayobami Ajayi ,spent his childhood around music. From frolicking with the instruments kept in a room at their house to him showing his skill in the church and later taking up music as a professional.
Like a man destined for greatness, Veeesax already had his life well structured. His childhood was spent via a triangular arc: church, school and home. His disciplinarian grandparents, who he lived with, were able to make sure that the young and sharp Veeesax stuck to this routine.
The love for music began in the church. The musical instruments which were kept in a room within the house afforded him an opportunity to hone his skill. During this phase of his life, Veeesax was already fiddling with guitar, piano, drum and other instruments. Whenever there was a special programme the personnel didn’t show. He swiftly filled in the gap. No wonder he can play many instruments.
By the time he finished high school, the lead pianist in the church was about to move to ivory tower. He taught him how to play the piano for about two weeks. By the time the pianist left, Veeesax effortlessly filled in the position.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Walkman, the popular CD player was the in thing for most Nigerian youth. Veeesax was already taking time by paying more attention to Panam Percy Paul, Ron Kenoly, Kirk Whalum, and Pastor Kunle Ajayi saxophone ministrations. His saxophone solo session became the guiding sonic teaching he highly sought. He played along with the revered musician as he played on before Pastor E.A Adeboye came to preach on the television.
This must have led to him showing more attention to the saxophone. The masked musician, Lagbaja, also played a pivotal role in Veeesax’s love for music.
Victor Ajayi’s trajectory as a musician/saxophone is easy to predict. The sonic foundation is so solid that it would have been an aberration if he doesn’t do anything related to music. Making the saxophone his most preferred instrument shows he is always looking out for the none easy avenues. He has constantly proved his mettle by blowing notes, serenading the audience and more importantly registering his name in the annal of great musicians in Nigeria with his songs and project.
