Evergreen Artistes: Aged But Not Tired

Of a fact, Nigerian music industry has metamorphosed. The scene has become so vibrant and a source of employment to so many Nigerians.

Many years ago, the music industry wasn’t this big. But then, one cannot take away the fact that there were some Nigerian musicians whose names would always appear in the annals of the industry. With their talents coupled with their tenacity, the artistes pushed on and on with their careers, making them timeless artistes over the years.

Their doggedness paid off as their music is evergreen and these notable artistes, in their own way, still contribute their quota to the now viable industry.

Some of these artistes are dead but their music live on. Some of them are old and aged but then again, they are not tired, they still sing and push out beautiful songs as they equally perform on various stages. Some of them can still rock and roll on the stage even more than the new generation of artistes.

Saturday Beats looks at a couple of these Nigerian artistes who are still very relevant even after so many years in the industry.

Victor Olaiya

Highlife legend, Victor Olaiya is not a small fry in the music industry. He came into the industry more than 50 years ago and has made a solid mark.

A guru with the trumpet, Olaiya has great hits such as Omo Pupa, Ilu le o, Colds Sweat and Yabomisa Sawale. The latest remix of his Baby Mi Da featuring Tuface, has been nominated for so many awards.

Olaiya still performs at shows and his mastery of the trumpet is unrivalled.

Victor Uwaifo

Sir Victor Uwaifo can never be forgotten for his prowess with the guitar. Known as ‘Guitar Boy,’ the sculptor and writer is a Nigerian artiste whose works have gained him international recognition.

His Joromi is still a major classic that sounds fresh in everybody’s ears. Uwaifo has recorded well over 500 songs and most of them have won gold and silver awards.

A Member of the Order of the Niger, Uwaifo was given a national honour many years ago by the then President Shehu Shagari.

Even at over 70, Uwaifo is still not tired. He may have been off the music scene in a long while but the great artiste never fails to impress on the stage anytime he is invited at state functions.

King Sunny Ade

Is there really anybody who doesn’t know King Sunny Ade in this part of the clime? KSA, as he is fondly called, cannot even be called a back-in-the day’s artiste for the juju musician still calls the shots when it comes to that genre of music.

KSA is not tired. He is always in the studio ‘cooking’ and ‘mixing’ stuff for his large fan base.

Recently at the Glo Evergreen Series organised by telecommunications company, Globacom, KSA was at his best on the stage, mesmerising guests and justifying why he is the king of juju music.

Ebenezer Obey

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey is a respected Nigerian musician who has garnered national and international recognition over the years.

He started his career in the 50s and was once under the late Fatai Rolling Dollar’s band. With songs like E ma se lo, Oro Alafia and Awa ewe Iwoyi, Obey held sway for a long while.

In the 90s, Obey switched from juju and became a gospel musician.

At 72, Obey is still a force in the music industry. His mark will perhaps, remain indelible in the music sector.

Onyeka Onwenu

Onyeka Onwenu returned from America to Nigeria many years ago and somehow, changed the face of the music industry. The Elegant Stallion, as she is also known, won the hearts of many with her mellifluous voice.

It was that voice that sang One Love, a song which has remained classic and timeless till now.

Onyeka’s time is not past yet. The lady is waxing strong both in the political front and the music industry.

As much as she has never left the studios, Onyeka has not released any hit song in a long while. But then again, she is invited to almost any state function where she dishes out inspiring songs of unity, which can melt the hearts of even the strong hearted.