Thanks for this. King Sunny was some of the first music from Africa I listened to. I've been going back and listening to more, including Sweet Banana. I've also listened to some of Obey's music and it's fine, but if I had to choose between the two I'd go with the former.
Growing up in 90s Nigeria, Obey and Sunny had been at the top of their game for at least two decades. There are other Juju greats but they were top of their cohort. I also find that I listen to Sunny more.
I love, love this write-up, every word felt like a soft hum of memory and meaning. I’ve never really been drawn to Commander Ebenezer Obey either. Maybe it was my love for American pop and all its glitter, or maybe, if I’m being honest, it’s because his name reminds me of the elderly man who lived beside our house and kept calling me his “wife.” They share the same name in btw. But reading this made me see him, and that era, with fresh eyes.
And to be sincere, because of your letters, I’ve been listening to Juju music back to back (King Sunny Ade precisely), which has completely put my mum in awe. Lol. I think my favourite songs of his might be Nitori Awa and Oshodi Oke.
Your writing is rich and effortlessly thoughtful. Thank you for giving depth to the things we often overlook.🤍
Thank you so much for this beautifully written and thoughtful comment. Glad the piece sparked something. Obey made beautiful music but his music had all its strictures. Perhaps soon I will spin a piece around them. Sorry about the weird neighbour. Your fav Sunny songs rank high on mine as well. Particularly Oshodi Oke. Thank you once again
This is really deep. Thank you for writing. I wish this was a homily read on every pulpit for Easter Sunday.
Thanks for this. King Sunny was some of the first music from Africa I listened to. I've been going back and listening to more, including Sweet Banana. I've also listened to some of Obey's music and it's fine, but if I had to choose between the two I'd go with the former.
Growing up in 90s Nigeria, Obey and Sunny had been at the top of their game for at least two decades. There are other Juju greats but they were top of their cohort. I also find that I listen to Sunny more.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I love, love this write-up, every word felt like a soft hum of memory and meaning. I’ve never really been drawn to Commander Ebenezer Obey either. Maybe it was my love for American pop and all its glitter, or maybe, if I’m being honest, it’s because his name reminds me of the elderly man who lived beside our house and kept calling me his “wife.” They share the same name in btw. But reading this made me see him, and that era, with fresh eyes.
And to be sincere, because of your letters, I’ve been listening to Juju music back to back (King Sunny Ade precisely), which has completely put my mum in awe. Lol. I think my favourite songs of his might be Nitori Awa and Oshodi Oke.
Your writing is rich and effortlessly thoughtful. Thank you for giving depth to the things we often overlook.🤍
Thank you so much for this beautifully written and thoughtful comment. Glad the piece sparked something. Obey made beautiful music but his music had all its strictures. Perhaps soon I will spin a piece around them. Sorry about the weird neighbour. Your fav Sunny songs rank high on mine as well. Particularly Oshodi Oke. Thank you once again