“To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die” (Thomas Campell – 1777 -1844).
By Dr D.K. Olukoya
Pa Samuel Babafemi Femi Esho lived a noble life that was dedicated to a worthy cause. His significant contributions to the music industry were internationally recognised just as his achievements and impacts were undeniable and indelible. Here are some that are worthy of note and of great interest to me:
- He was a foremost collector, patron and preserver of music of yesteryears, not only music of Nigeria but of the entire West Africa sub-region. His legacy is defined by his tireless efforts to ensure the immortality of Nigerian Highlife, Juju, Sakara, Apala, Afrobeat, and other indigenous music genres.
- He established his own musical company and formed a band that was dedicated to Highlife music.
- He was a prominent figure on radio and television, promoting music, particularly Highlife. For instance, he hosted “Highlife Renaissance” on Ray Power, Nigeria’s first private radio station weekly for about three years.
- To commemorate Nigeria’s centenary in 2014, he reviewed Nigerian music from 1914 to 2014 on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
- His musical company played a pivotal role in reviving the works of legendary musicians through a project that repackaged music from the 1920s.
Pa Esho launched the Evergreen Music Foundation in Surulere, Lagos, aimed at preserving and safe guarding musical heritage. This foundation is a comprehensive resource for research and documentation of over 10,000 Nigerian musicians, supporting researchers, to anthropologists and sociologists globally. He was a mentor and an “encyclopedia” of music to many Highlife music enthusiasts.
The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make a difference that you have lived and lived well. Undoubtedly, this music icon will always be remembered for his outstanding contributions to national and global development as well as his worthwhile legacy.
Pa Esho was a father and a friend to me. We shared music interest together. He was a devoted child of God and an amiable gentleman. I wish to state that an illustrious music icon and compatriot has gone. He will forever be remembered.
May his soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
- Dr D. K. Olukoya, is the General Overseer,
Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Worldwide