Underground plans may have begun to mark the 30th anniversary of the transition of veteran Nigerian Jùjú musician, Isaiah Kehinde Dairo MBE popularly known as I K Dairo.
Also known as Baba Aladura, IK Dairo who Pastored a Cherubim and Seraphim church in Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos, was in 1963 awarded by Queen Elizabeth, with the MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his contributions to the culture of the Commonwealth.
He is the only African musician ever to receive such an honor. I.K. Dairo died from complications of diabetes on February 7, 1996. He was 65 years old.
Sources close to the late musician’s family informed The Page news, that preliminary discussions have been going on among family members, regarding the desire to ensure the 30th anniversary of the departure of the Cleric cum entertainer,intended to be marked in a grand style.
It was also gathered that assurances may have been secured to make the Great Britain play significant role in the anniversary.
A member of the family who said she was not authorized to speak on the issue yet, informed that feed back from the few contacts made by the family so far, have been very encouraging, hinting that a number of organisations and different interests have registered their support in ensuring a successful anniversary
” Quite a number of people we never envisaged had any relationship with Baba have indicated the desire to also honour him through the planned event. As things stand, we may need a good number of months to prepare for this anniversary because it’s beginning to get bigger than the family initially planned
” Some of the those who have volunteered to be part of the arrangement among family members and friends are not also living here in the country. Those abroad are beginning to reach out to themselves and they will eventually align with those of us at home” revealed the family source who mentioned that a date was yet to be fixed for the event.
When contacted on the issue, Paul Play Dairo, the musician son of the departed singer, said family members in Nigeria are in the best position to talk on the issue for now.
He however confirmed there are plans to mark his father’s anniversary ” in a big way”.
Evangelist IK Dairo was born in the town of Offa, located in present-day Kwara State; his family was originally from Ijebu-Jesa before migrating to Offa.
Known as the father of juju for his role in establishing that musical style, which eventually displaced West African highlife as Nigeria’s national sound.
In 1962, he released the song ‘Salome’ under Decca records. The song was a major hit.
Other songs of his which was quite popular was Ka Sora, Erora Feso Jaiye, Omo Lanke, Onile Gogoro, Guluso, Mo Sorire, iyawo Oniwa Kiwa, Ore Odale, Ise Ori Ranmi Ni Monse.
