MAJEK FASHEK: LIFE AND TIMES OF ‘SEND DOWN THE RAIN’ REGGAE CROONER

Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek was an Edo State born Nigerian reggae-crooner. He played many musical instruments, but he was popular as a guitarist. Members of his defunct band “JASTIX” including Amos McRoy Jegg, George O’Well and Black were extremely popular reggae instrumentalists and studio session musicians in Lagos in the 1980s. Unfortunately, JASTIX Band as popular as they were then could not record any album of their own due to some disappointments, they suffered from music producers and record companies, especially the defunct JAPEX Records.

MAJEK FASHEK

However, Majek Fashek was a man of destiny. He was employed by the Tabansi Records as an artiste promotion manager and before long he mesmerized the company’s management with his style of singing and a voice remarkably close to that of the late reggae legend Bob Marley. The proprietor of the company late Chief G.A.D. Tabansi signed him to record an album for the label. The then magic finger, Lemmy Jackson was hired by the company to produce the record. The album titled “PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE” was released in 1987 and it became an instant hit. One of the nine tracks in the album “Send Down The Rain” became a sort of a national anthem in Nigeria in the late 1980s.

MAJEK FASHEK ON STAGE IN PORT HARCOURT IN 1987

Upon the fortune and fame that this debut reggae album brought to both Majek and the Tabansi Records, the business soon turned sore and there was a long press war between the artiste and the company which culminated in Majek Fashek’s switch over to another record label, CBS Records. He recorded two albums “I & I Experience” and “So Long Too Long” for the CBS Records but none of them was as successful as his debut. With his dwindling fortune and fame, he joined the Golden Fleece to America. He recorded some songs in the United States of America but was not able to break-even or penetrate the American market. The press did not help matters; he was given negative publicity. Many reported his drug related problems and some even reported that he ran mad and was repatriated back to Nigeria to be treated and rehabilitated in a church!

MAJEK FASHEK

When the reggae-crooner came back to Nigeria, an entertainment outfit “A-Plus Global Entertainment” tried to repackage him to stage a comeback without success. However, in December 2016 Majek Fashek contributed the song "We Are Not Afraid" to a video featuring 200 celebrities to raise funds for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Human Rights Watch (HRW). Majek has worked at different times with various artists worldwide, including Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg and Beyonce.

MAJEK FASHEK ON STAGE

Sadly the ‘Rain Maker’ lost a battle with cancer and died on Monday June 1, 2020 in a New York hospital at the age of 57.

DUNSIN OYEKAN IS A TALENTED GOSPEL MUSIC MINISTER

Dunsin Oyekan is a sensational gospel music minister, talented songwriter, worship leader and music producer who plays different musical instruments including the guitar, keyboard, and drums. He was once the music director of the award-winning choir – Avalanche of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA). Dunsin Oyekan was born on November 5, 1984, in Ilorin, Nigeria, as the only son of the Gbadebo Oyekan’s family. He passed through Airforce Nursery and Primary school Ilorin where he started singing and playing the guitar at the young age of 10. He graduated from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, where he studied Industrial Chemistry. 

DUNSIN OYEKAN

In 2016, Dunsin released his 14-track debut album “Code Red”. Thus far, he has released over thirty songs, including the popular “Na You”, which featured Kim Burrell, an American gospel singer. Dunsin performed “Na You” with Kim Burell at The Experience Concert. He is the convener and founder of the Code Red Worship Concert and the Healing Room Worship Event. He also released another album “Kingdom Now” in 2019.

DUNSIN OYEKAN ON STAGE

Dunsin has ministered on the same stage with other notable musicians including Tasha Cobbs, Kurt Carr, Don Moen, Byron Cage, Tye Tribbett, William Murphy, Kim Burrell, Sinach, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Frank Edwards, and Freke Umoh.

YINKA AYEFELE THE GOSPEL FUJI CROONER AND PROLIFIC SONGWRITER

Yinka Ayefele is an Ekiti State born Nigerian gospel fuji artist, songwriter, worship leader and talented producer. Ever since his secondary school, he loved playing trumpet and guitar. He sang in the choir and really loved what he was doing, but he did not think about turning into a singer. He dreamt of a financial profession or future work in the office. This made him join the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in Ibadan where he performed various journalist tasks and worked as a radio producer for different jingles and tunes.

YINKA AYEFELE ON STAGE

Yinka Ayefele began his music career in 1997 after he was involved in an automobile accident which damaged his spinal cord and confined him to a wheelchair. As fate may have it, while in the hospital after spending about 9 months, his friend, Kola Olootu visited and advised him to put some songs together using his experience as a former professional radio jingle producer.  This suggestion resulted in the release of his debut album titled, “Bitter Experience” in 1997 which incidentally brought him into limelight.

YINKA AYEFELE

The release of “Bitter Experience” was followed by the release of “Sweet Experience”. The rest as they say is now history, suffice it to say that Yinka Ayefele today has twenty-three albums to his credit: Bitter Experience (1997), Sweet Experience (1999), Something Else (2000), Divine Intervention (2001), Fun Fair (2002), Life after Death (2003), Aspiration (2003), Fulfilment (2004), New Dawn (2005), Next Level (2006), Gratitude (2007), Absolute Praise (2008), Transformation (2009), Everlasting Grace (2010), Prayer Point (2011), Goodness Of God (2012), Comforter (2013), Overcomer (2014), Upliftment (2015), Fresh Glory (2016), Living Testimony (2017), Favour (2018), and Beyond The Limits (2019).

YINKA AYEFELE ON STAGE

Yinka Ayefele has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) awarded by the former Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2011 and the Ekiti Cultural Ambassador Award.

YINKA AYEFELE

On a sad note Yinka Ayefele’s Music House, which had in it a radio station Fresh FM and a studio, was on August 19, 2018 demolished by the Oyo State Government, stating that the property's location contravened the stipulations by the town planning authority. This sparked outrage from fans and sympathizers, especially in Ibadan, and host of others criticizing the government's action. According to the musician, the property was worth N800 million.

BONEY M: THE INTRIGUES, SUCCESSES AND DISBANDMENT

Contrary to what many people thought, Boney M. a Euro-Caribbean vocal group was a creation of Frank Farian, a German record producer in 1976. None of the group members knew themselves prior to the formation. The four original members of the group's official line-up were Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett from Jamaica, Maizie Williams from Montserrat and Bobby Farrell, a performing artist from Aruba. 

BONEY M.

Frank Farian decided to use Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett voice along with his own studio-enhanced voice to create the Boney M. sound. Maizie Williams and Bobby Farrell were not allowed to sing in the studio. They only perform in live shows. This has been the standard for the group which achieved popularity during the disco era of the late 1970s. Since the 1980s, various line-ups of the band have performed with different personnel. 

BONEY M. ON STAGE

Boney M. has sold around 100 million records worldwide and is known for international hits such as "Daddy Cool", "Ma Baker", "Sunny", "Rasputin", "Mary’s Boy Child – O My Lord" and "Rivers of Babylon".

Boney M. recorded a total of eight albums: Take the Heat off Me (1976); Love for Sale (1977); Nightflight to Venus (1978); Oceans of Fantasy (1979); Boonoonoonoos (1981); Christmas Album (1981); Ten Thousand Lightyears (1984); Eye Dance (1985).

BONEY M.

Boney M. started to disintegrate from 1985 due to internal squabbles and disagreements and from this point, different versions of the group were formed by members, some with cooperation of the creator and founder, Frank Farian, others without him, for example by independently obtaining the rights to use the Boney M. name in a different country. One version began touring in the first half of 1987 with Marilyn Scharbaai (Carrilho) taking Liz Mitchell's place. Mitchell returned for a second leg of the tour late 1987, and Marcia Barrett soon left the band. At the same time, Bobby Farrell had set up a deal for a new Boney M. album to be recorded without Frank Farian in Belgium. 

BONEY M. ON STAGE

However, in October 1988, the classic Boney M. line-up reunited without producer Frank Farian for the album “Greatest Hits of All Times – Remix ’88”, but tensions ran high between the members, and Liz Mitchell left in the spring of 1989 to be replaced by Madeleine Davis. While Mitchell promoted her solo album, the group recorded the single “Everybody Wants to Dance Like Josephine Baker”, without Frank Farian's knowledge or approval. Threatened with legal action by the producer over the use of the Boney M. name, the single was subsequently withdrawn and Farian issued "Stories" with his own new Boney M. line-up featuring Liz Mitchell, Reggie Tsiboe and two new members, Sharon Stevens and Patty Onoyewenjo. Liz Mitchell continued to tour the world with her line-up of Boney M., which is the only line-up officially supported by Frank Farian. 

BONEY M.

Furthermore, the court ruling of 1990 did not help matters in the attempt for another unification of the original members of the group. The court ruling stated that all the original four members of the group are entitled to perform their own Boney M. shows. Bobby Farrell and Liz Mitchell have released solo albums containing their own re-recordings of Boney M.'s classic hits. Maizie Williams released her first solo album in 2006 and her own single version of Boney M.'s "Sunny". Marcia Barrett has released three solo albums also.

BONEY M. ON STAGE

On a sad note, Bobby Farrell died at the age of 61 from heart failure on 30 December 2010. His agent said Farrell was complaining of breathing problems after performing with his band the evening before. Farrell lived in Amsterdam until his death. The singer was found dead in a hotel room in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where he had been performing. With his death the original four members of Boney M. will never stage a comeback again!

DEBORAH OLUSOGA IS OUR ARTIST OF THE WEEK

Nigerian-British multi-talented and award-winning gospel singer Deborah Olusoga releases her soul-stirring single titled ‘Alagbawi’ (Advocate) from her 5-track debut EP titled ‘Solace’ which was released in 2019. The single ‘Alagbawi’ is a heart to heart adoration to God; it encourages the listener to seek more of the presence of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus Christ promised to send to us to advocate on our behalf to the Father. Deborah promises to release subsequently more versions of this song to meet diverse listeners needs.

DEBORAH OLUSOGA

Deborah started singing in a Roman Catholic Church in Nigeria since primary school age and later became a member of the Pentecostal church in 1998 where she has continued to serve as a Worship Leader. Deborah was appointed the Choir Coordinator at the Redeemed Christian Fellowship (RCF) where she has won several awards for her effectiveness while in the higher institution. She is also a member of the RCCG National Choir Praise Team and ministered severally at the Redemption Camp Lagos with the Oyo State Zonal and National Choir before she relocated to the UK over a decade ago.

DEBORAH OLUSOGA ON STAGE

Deborah also became a member of the annual RCCG Festival of Life Choir in the UK for a few years before she relocated from London to the Midlands. She organized her first Youth Musical Concert in 2006 and a member of 2 gospel bands while in Nigeria. She has ministered at various churches and events in Africa and in other parts of the world.

DEBORAH OLUSOGA

In her quest to propagate the gospel, she also hosts a Radio talk show titled – ‘Step Forward on MZRadio London and CockFM which airs 9-10am GMT every Saturday which focuses on health and relationship. She is the author of the book titled – ‘The Godly Role Model’. Deborah is a graduate of University of East London and a Healthcare Manager by profession, she is married to Samson Olusoga and blessed with 3 amazing children.‎

BETTY WRIGHT THE ‘TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT’ SINGER DIES AT 66

Bessie Regina Norris popularly known as Betty Wright (December 21, 1953 – May 10, 2020) was an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter and background vocalist, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Tonight is the Night” and “Clean Up Woman”.

BETTY WRIGHT

Betty Wright was born in Miami, Florida, United States in 1953 and started singing gospel at the age of two, with her siblings in the group, Echoes of Joy. When they broke up, Wright was only 11. After switching to R&B she was signed at the age of 12. Her first hit was “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do”, which reached No. 33 in the US in 1968. The track was later sampled by Beyoncé.

BETTY WRIGHT

Betty Wright won a Grammy Award in 1974 for best R&B song “Where Is the Love”. Throughout the late 70s and early 80s, the singer-songwriter would continue releasing music and her 1988 hit “No Pain, (No Gain)” would be her last significant song on the charts in a career spanning five decades. But this did not stop Betty Wright, who would continue performing, writing and producing, as well as being an active member of The Recording Academy.

BETTY WRIGHT ON STAGE

Betty Wright was celebrated not only for her characterful songs but also her voice, which could reach the kind of piercing, ultra-high register the likes of Mariah Carey would later adopt. She released solo music throughout her life and collaborated with the hip-hop stars she influenced. Her 2011 album Betty Wright: The Movie was made with hip-hop group, the Roots, while her most recent album, 2014’s “Living Love Lies” featured rapper Rick Ross and rap producer DJ Khaled. She appeared alongside rappers Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean on a 2016 DJ Khaled track “Holy Key”.

BETTY WRIGHT ON STAGE

Betty Wright died on May 10, 2020 at the age of 66 from yet to be disclosed illness.

LITTLE RICHARD THE FOUNDING FATHER OF ROCK MUSIC (DECEMBER 5, 1932 – MAY 9, 2020)

Richard Wayne Penniman, popularly known as Little Richard, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Richard was an influential figure in popular music, his most celebrated work dates from the mid-1950s, when his dynamic music and charismatic showmanship laid the foundation for rock and roll, leading him to be given the nickname "The Innovator, The Originator, and The Architect of Rock and Roll". Characterized by his frenetic piano playing and raspy singing voice, Richard's music also played a key role in the formation of other popular music genres, including soul and funk. He influenced numerous singers and musicians across musical genres from rock to hip hop, and his music helped shape rhythm and blues for generations to come.

LITTLE RICHARD

Born in Macon, Georgia, United States Richard was the second of 12 children. He was kicked out of his family's home as a teenager and taken in by a white family, who ran the club where he first performed. He got his start performing jump blues, but his most famous and successful songs like “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Good Golly Miss Molly” came in the mid-1950s.

LITTLE RICHARD WAS A FRENETIC PIANO PLAYER

His music was covered by contemporaries like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and Bill Haley. A wave of young British musicians: the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, and Lemmy Kilmister, to name a few cited Little Richard as an influence. Elsewhere in the world, Richard was being studied by soul stars including Otis Redding, James Brown, Michael Jackson and rock icons Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, AC/DC.

LITTLE RICHARD HAD A RASPY SINGING VOICE

Little Richard sold more than 30 million records worldwide and was among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's first class of inductees in 1986. He received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy and performed at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration in 1992. The Library of Congress added “Tutti Frutti” to the National Recording Registry in 2010.

LITTLE RICHARD ON ELECTRIC PIANO

Little Richard died on May 9, 2020 and will be remembered as a founding father of Rock and Roll Music alongside with Fats Domino and Chuck Berry.