– Chris Ajilo of the 1950s band, ‘‘Chris Ajilo & His Cubanos’ has passed away
– According to reports, the Eko O Gba Gbere’ crooner died in his Ijebu -Ijesha hometown after a brief illness
– Ajilo was a renowned music bandleader, producer and record industry executive
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Veteran Nigerian musician and producer, Christopher Ajilore popularly known as Chris Ajilo has passed away. According to reports, the highlife legend died after a brief illness at his Ijebu -Ijesha hometown.
Ajilo who died at the age of 91 on February 20, 2021, was a bandleader, producer and record industry executive whose contributions to Nigerian music have been described as broad and noteworthy.
Having undergone training in England on the tenor saxophone, Ajilo returned to Nigeria in the early ’50s and immediately formed his own band, Chris Ajilo & His Cubanos.
Ajilo died at the age of 91.
Photo credit: Leadership.ng, Tribune Online
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Speaking with The Cable, Michael Odiong, general manager of Premier Music, Ajilo’s record label, confirmed the news of his passing.
“He passed away this morning. He was ill briefly. I mean, he’s 91. So, anything could happen at that age,” he said.
The late veteran is known for hit tracks such as Eko O Gba Gbere, Ariwo, Orilonise, Only You, amongst others, some of which were covered by Ginger Baker and Osibisa.
In a report by @elderscorner on Instagram – a page dedicated to celebrating music veterans-, Ajilo also mentored a number of talented young musicians several of who subsequently rose to prominence in their own right; The Lijadu sisters and Fela Kuti lead Saxophonist, Baba Ani.
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In a similar story, yet another legend, Prince Morroco Maduka, passed away on Thursday, October 29, and the tragic news was announced by the Anambra state chapter of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) on their official Facebook page.
Prince Morocco who until his death was the oldest Igbo performing musician alive, recently celebrated 60 years on stage.
He is famous for songs like Asiri 98, Ife Oma, Akalaka etc. The Ukwulu, Anambra-born music maestro, started his music career at the age of 14.
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Kumashe Yaakugh is a Bioreports journalist with three years of working experience in the media industry. She graduated from Benue State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication. Kumashe is an entertainment and lifestyle editor reporting mostly on entertainment and human interest stories. When she isn’t working, Kumashe uses her spare time to read about historical events, music and cultures around the world. Learn more about her on Twitter @kvmashe
