Awakening Tribute

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TRIBUTE TO A CULTURAL MUSIC LEGENDA

Life is not just about what you can get from it, it’s about what you give to it. This is the story of Pa Benjamin Aderounmu, who though he was blind, but has left a footprint on the musical landscape of Nigeria

HE might not have released any album before he passed on recently in January This Year at the ripe age of 83, the blind minstrel, Pa Benjamin Aderounmu popularly called Kokoro has in dougt touched many with his music and story.

Little wonder there was so much accolades from friends, fans, family, and even the LLagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) who in a release signed by Mr. Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, mourned his death saying his death would create a void in the nation's music industry.

Governor Fashola also recalled early last year when the late Kokoro entertained him and his entourage with his music for about one hour on the occasion of the State Government's donation of a two bedroom flat to him at the Government Estate Shasha in Alimosho Local Government Area of the State.

The Copyright activist and former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN Chief Tony Okoroji, also described the death as another huge loss "to the nation's entertainment industry."

He further said "He is an encyclopedia of Nigerian music, because he knows music from the four regions of Nigeria," According to him Kokoro would be remembered mostly for his consistency "and his resilience in performing his act.

Also commenting, Ayinke Martins, a female Jazz musician, disclosed that she grew up listening and admiring the songs of Benjamin Aderounmu.

"I used to stand in the street and listen to him years ago. His songs and plays touched my soul greatly and inspired me. I pray that his soul rest in peace,"

Kokoro who is an indigene of Ondo state would also be missed by his people. Dr. Mimiko, in a condolence message to the family of the deceased, described the death of the late minstrel as a big loss to the people of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.

He described Pa Aderounmu, who is a native of Owo, in Ondo State , as a cultural ambassador imbued with the spirit of perseverance as exemplified by his resilience in the face of all odds to excel in his chosen career-music, which he sang despite his visual impairment.

Pa Benjamin Aderounmu popularly known as Baba Kokoro was born in February 25, 1925 and hails from Olowo Royal Family in Owo, Ekiti State. He has been known in the Nigerian music circles for over 60 years. A contemporary of Adeolu Adesanya, Seni Tejuosho, J. C. Araba and Fatai Rolling Dollar, Kokoro had been singing and playing his tambourine all over Lagos State until he attained a legendary status.

It is widely believed that Cyprian Ekwensi referred to Kokoro in his popular book titled ‘The Drummer Boy’ well that would be a story for another day.

In 1980s after FESTAC '77, he got married and started regular performances at the Jazz 38, Awolowo Road and was invited to tour Europe by the French Cultural Centre in year 2000

Later in life, he was invited for several recordings, first by Lagos Ministry of Culture and Radio Lagos at the prestigious Eko Reel Mix Studios at Alausa Lagos, by telecommunications firm, MTN Nigeria, produced by Racca.

He had songs such as Jiwo Emimimo, Wale Kedere, Alolo Baby and Elemi, which talk about spiritual re-awakening and the stories of his life.

The cultural music legend who was born blind would have been 84 on February 25.

What legacy would you leave behind ?

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