Wednesday 12 June 2013

Fatai Rolling Dollar and Benedict Odiase have passed away




Reports reaching our newsdesk, say that veteran highlife musician Fatai Rolling Dollars, is dead.
Born 22nd July 1926, Rolling Dollar was known for his verve and dexterity on the guitar. His zest for life and energy, even in old age, was also a marvel to all who beheld him perform.


He got a new lease of life after years in the doldrums, through Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who revived his career and fortunes, after the Liaison de France was brought back into public consciousness. Fatai, who was one of the highlife singers who made in the 60-early 70s, had a lull in his fortunes before providence smiled on him. Papa Fatai is dead.
One of his wives, Funmulayo Olagunju, confirmed his death. Details later


Composer of Nigeria’s National Anthem, Benedict Odiase, dies
The composer of the current National Anthem, Arise O Compatriots, Pa Benedict Odiase, MON, is dead.
Mr Odiase died Tuesday night in his sleep. He composed Arise O Compatriots” in May 1978.

Pa Odiase retired in 1992 as a Deputy Commissioner of Police after being the Director of Music with the Nigeria Police Band.
“Arise, O Compatriots” replaced Nigeria, We Hail Thee. The lyrics are a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries in a national contest.
The words were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Pa Odiase.

via vanguardngr and pointblanknews.

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