Dele Ojo
Dele Ojo (July 10, 1938 - May 3, 2018) was a Nigerian musician and performer. He is revered as one of the musicians to have spread and popularized the Jùjú genre of music.[1]
Dele Ojo | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | James Ogundele Ojo |
| Also known as | Terena |
| Born | 10 July 1938 Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria |
| Died | 3 May 2018 (aged 79) |
| Genres | Afrobeat, Jazz, Highlife |
| Occupation(s) | singer-songwriter, musician, minister, teacher |
| Instruments | Trumpet, Bass guitar |
| Years active | 1969-2016 |
| Associated acts | Victor Olaiya, Dele Ojo & His Star Brothers |
Career
James Ogundele Ojo was born on July 10, 1938 in the village of Ilara-Mokin to first-generation Christian parents. He attended St. Michael's Primary school from 1944 to 1955.[2] As a fresh primary school student in 1952, Dele was taught how to use a typewriter through the sponsorship of his father. In 1954, he secured a job as a clerk but resigned after three months before he was given another job as a local school teacher.[3]
Ojo's music career began when he met Victor Olaiya who employed him as a member of his music band. In 1969, Ojo formed a band called "Dele Ojo & His Star Brothers" after Olaiya had disbanded his group. Ojo and his group started recording and performing songs to massive reception in live shows in Ekiti State, Lagos and Osun State. They also toured several cities in the United States of America.[3]
He died on the 3rd of May 2018 at his hometown of Ilara Mokin in Ondo State at the age of 79.[4]
Discography
- Alafia
- Juju Music at Its Best
References
- Bode Omojola (2006). Popular Music in Western Nigeria: Theme, Style, and Patronage System. IFRA. ISBN 978-978-8025-11-5.
- https://reportersatlarge.com/2018/05/04/veteran-highlife-singer-dele-ojo-is-dead/
- Ben-Nwankwo, Nonye (21 May 2016). "I left the US when my band members deserted me – Dele Ojo". The Punch. Retrieved 27 May 2016.
- https://nationalinsightnews.com/highlife-legend-dele-ojo-dies-at-79/