Preamble: Sometimes last week, I was privileged to hear an old song. The song is titled "Never far away". That song brought back some sweet memories of my childhood in Nigeria and of the beautiful times I had living in a period in which a certain musical genius grabbed my attention so much that I remain his biggest fan till date. I write this in honor of his legend and of his super talents and just wanna say I miss his music... Not only I but a lot of people who appreciate his music and beautiful talents

Growing up in Nigeria was fun, and I had the opportunity to listen to lots of talented musicians/music artistes and groups from Africa's most populous black nation ranging from the likes of Onyeka Onwenu, to Asa, to TY bello, to psquare, to wizkid, style plus and so many more.

But among all these, one voice was among the "special few" that did stand out. He was known as, "The masked one". A lot of people still don't know the face behind the mask of this music legend, though recently, he unmasked his face in honour of his daughter's wedding.

His name is "Lagbaja".


Lagbaja, originally known as; Bisade Ologunde, who is currently based in Manhattan, new york, USA is a Nigerian afrobeat musician, singer and song writer.

He was born in year 1960 in Lagos state. He is from Odogun's compound, ijagbo community in Ogun local government area of Kwara state.

The Nigerian music icon, adopted the name, "lagbaja" ( meaning "anonymous" or "The faceless one" in Yoruba).

He is also an instrumentalist, who plays the saxophone. He made his debut in year 1993 into the music industry and since then, he has been able to fascinate us with his unique style of using traditional African drums/instruments.

His music is purely instrumental but sometimes, they are sung in Yoruba or English or a blend of the two. Most of his songs entertain, while some send a serious message which is most times, filled with humour.

He has won awards such as, Nigerian music awards in 2001, including artist of the year, producer of the year, and album of the year. He and his band performed on the African stage at the BBC music live festival over the Golden jubilee celebration at London's Hyde park in summer 2002.


The songs and punchlines of lagbaja are still in use in our society today. From "konko below", to "gra gra", to "skentele", to "nothing for you", and a few more. His songs and style are ever green and will always be remembered by Nigerians and other Africans, who got wind of his talents also.

Lagbaja was like a breath of fresh air that blew and made us bask in the beauties of true music.
Many legends and class acts come and go. But in lagbaja, we have one who cannot be buried in the annals of history but will always live long in our memories.

There are spirits brave,
There are legends true,
There are legacies eternal and also talents extraordinary.

In the masked one, we had almost all these...

He is truly one of Afrobeats' finest of the finest and King of African Jazz....

Here's to saying; "Lagbaja, some of us still miss you and your music which always offered laughter, entertainment, hope and love".


Lagbaja is a true icon of music not just in Nigeria, but in Africa and till date in the 17th year of the 21st century, is still missed despite the boom in music dynamism and styles across the continent called, "Mother Africa". Lagbaja was a genuine super Original.

Original writer: Makydebbie
(His biggest fan).


Cc: Lalasticlala














Source of some info in the write-up: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagbaja

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lagbaja-mn0000125482/biography

So, this is how He looks without the mask?


**Singing**

Oni gele yii o


Skenskele


Ejoo Ma


Skonskolo


Lalasticlala , what's ur favorite lagbaja song?

ewo!! Is this his real face??

The guy is a legend. he is handsome without the masquerade

Awww... *Singing aloud*





Did I ever say I’d love you forever?
Did I? Did I?
Even if I ever said I’d love you forever
I must have been out of my mind
As you know, sometimes love gets intoxicating




Lalasticlala, comman EPP us move this wonderful thread about One of Naija's finest Musician to FP ooo! Thumbs up, Makydebbie!

sexfabregas:
ewo!! Is this his real face??

Yels oo

oh! first time I'm seeing his full face.
He try no be small

Fine boy

Hmn,i really miss his kind music,a music that d whole family can listen to,and sing along regardless of ur age, tribe,religion or background, I doff my hat for dis man

.

First time seeing his face and a detailed article about him . Though I've listened to only one of his songs

Nice one Makky

Lalasticlala

Np
lagbaja - suurulere

It always bring back memories.

Wow. First tym I'm seeing his face witawt mask on it. Never bothered to look for it in d past

lalasticlala EPP us



nice one Debbie

Wow,the guy is handsome oo .....Never far away is still one of my best songs

Omoti gbagbe ise oda keregbe oda keregbe....

i don see lagbaja face ..so na lagbaja be dis

Respect to the boss. Op that's not him by the way.

There's time for everything in life, nobody hears him anymore, infact I thought the man had died.

I love his songs. They are evergreen.

Lagbaja, a poor version of Fela Kuti

That's not him in that picture by the way. He is not bald

The two faces don't match jor

Different dentition, eyes and skin colour

I miss him more than u no homo

He definitely has carved a niche for himself. That picture is def not him though.

Lagbaja the Afrobeats/AfroJazz Crooner.....


"shipanpala iyawo, o towo osi bobe, shipanpala....."

I just love the way he sounded when he took that line above in his dialect in that song "Never Far Away"... Loolll

After that line a magical blend of instrumentation followed....

Lagbaja... A True Original indeed #Respects

Where is he this days, he's not been hard of a long time now

Please check out my signature for quality and durable furniture

Lagbaja is a living legend. Well I dont believe that is his real face.... Take a look at his eyes you would see.

Ok