Musician and thespian Jacob Kunle Ajomale began his career with an album dedicated to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1987. He marked his 30th anniversary as a musician last Sunday with pomp and ceremony at the Academy Inn in Lagos. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, he talks about his musical journey and how the late Awolowo established him as a musician.
My 30-year voyage in entertainment
It began at age five, 48 years ago, when I joined the church choir in 1969. My mother made a covenant with God that if He gave her a male child, she would dedicate the boy to Him. Hence, my early start in the choir, but I never knew I would go professional when I sang in memory of the late Papa Awolowo in 1987.
But, before then, at the Ogun State University (now, Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye), I was already very much involved in the theatre. As a member of the pioneer drama/performing group on campus, the Gangan Caste, we entertained students weekly.I recalled that on March 4, 1983, the late Chief Awolowo came for an event at the school’s permanent site. We, members of the Gangan Caste, entertained dignitaries, including the late Governor Olabisi Onabanjo. Chief Awolowo was so thrilled and commended me publicly.
The commendation became the fuel that urged me to take performing art to a professional level. I decided to start with music. It was during my National Youth Service in 1987 at the then Bendel State when Pa Obafemi Awolowo died. I decided to pay him my tribute by dedicating an album to him. In short, I would say singing in memory of the late Papa Awolowo not only helped my musical career, it established me as a professional musician.
I remember travelling to Ikenne, researched about the sage, and got the support of the family, especially the late Mama HID Awolowo. After gathering information on his achievements, I composed an album in his honour. I did not know then that I was breaking new grounds. Surprisingly, the album won me the 1987 best Corper’s award in Bendel State; and got me automatic employment. Although the album did not realise much money, it marked the beginning of my foray into professional music. In fact, that episode was one of the greatest motivations I have had on my journey. To God be the glory, since then I have been able to release eight albums and composed so many songs.
My shot at limelight
Music has taken me across the globe. The album that actually brought me into limelight was Damuso, meaning “The Comforter” released in 1994. We sold many copies; and it was the album that first got me overseas tours. Before then, there was Lehin Jesu ko s’enikan, which was a joint-performance, released in 1991, and by 1993, had sold over a million copies. I initially composed the song, Lehin Jesu ko s’enikan, for my church. There was a request by the then choir master, at the then C$S movement Surulere circuit, for new songs. So I developed that chorus, built on it and then gave it to him and, honestly, I never knew it would go far and become so popular. The church later went to the studio and the song was tracked number two in the album after, “Lehin oke mimo”.
God Almighty has indeed been faithful. He has blessed me with great people from all walks of life. During President Olusegun Obasanjo’s official visit to Washington in the United States, I played for him. In Washington, I also met with the Oba Akinolu of Lagos. I have played for the present Oba Oniru; the late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediuwa while serving in his palace during my Youth Service; and the present Oba of Epe. I recall former Nigeria ambassador to the United States, Professor Jubril Aminu, once invited me to his house in Washington to appreciate me. I equally played at Baba Adeboye’s daughter’s wedding, Pastor Bolu, in the US.
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