Lagos International Jazz Festival Announces Tribute Event for Pa Benson Idonije at 90
The Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF) has unveiled plans for a landmark celebration to honor the iconic broadcaster, music critic, and cultural figure, Pa Benson Idonije, with a special tribute event titled "Jams & Vibes Session – Prelude to 90." This event is scheduled ahead of his 90th birthday on June 13, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Event Details and Significance
Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at Bature Brewery in Victoria Island, Lagos, this tribute aims to recognize Pa Idonije's lifelong dedication to music and the arts, which has profoundly shaped Nigeria's cultural and musical landscape for over seven decades. Widely regarded as Nigeria's foremost music historian, Pa Idonije holds a permanent place in both Nigerian and global music history.
His influence is deeply rooted in his role as the pioneering manager of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, where he played a critical role in the early development of the genre during the historic Koola Lobitos era. This connection extends to modern times, as he is the maternal grandfather of global music superstar and Grammy award winner Burna Boy, serving as a powerful bridge between the roots of Afrobeat and the contemporary Afrobeats movement that commands worldwide attention.
Legacy in Broadcasting and Literature
Beyond artist management, Pa Idonije built an enduring legacy in broadcasting. During his career at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), he introduced listeners to the richness of Jazz and Highlife, educating and inspiring generations of music enthusiasts. He is also the author of the acclaimed biography, Dis Fela Sef: The Legend(s) Untold, widely considered one of the most authoritative insider accounts of Fela Kuti's life, philosophy, and musical journey.
Statements from Festival Director
Ayoola Sadare, popularly known as Shaddie Bobo, founder and director of the Lagos International Jazz Festival, described the tribute as both personal and historic. He noted that Pa Idonije remains a guiding figure in Nigeria's music ecosystem and a respected patriarch of the festival community.
"Celebrating the veteran broadcaster at 90 is a meaningful way to honour continuity, legacy, and the enduring spirit of Nigerian music. Benson Idonije is more than a legend; he is a mentor and the patriarch of the Lagos International Jazz Festival," he said.
"Having celebrated his 80th birthday with him, it is a profound honour to do so again at 90. This event celebrates continuity. From Fela to Burna Boy, Idonije has been the steady heartbeat behind the scenes. We are honouring a man whose vision helped define the sound of a nation," Shadare added.
Event Highlights and Collaborations
The 'Prelude to 90' event will feature a curated lineup of live performances spanning jazz, highlife, and Afrobeats, blending music with storytelling sessions that reflect on the evolution of Nigeria's soundscape. Key highlights include:
- Live Sets: Performances from veteran jazz musicians to contemporary Afro-fusion artistes.
- Literary Spotlight: A public reintroduction and reading of Dis Fela Sef.
- Legacy Tribute: Insights into Idonije's mentorship and his role in Burna Boy's global ascent.
The event is supported by a coalition of leading creative and cultural organizations, including Naijazz & Showbiz Africa, the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), the Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF), Culture Advocates Caucus & Culture Dispatch, and WATZUP TV. The Lagos International Jazz Festival, produced by creative enterprise Inspiro Productions, continues its mission to celebrate excellence, preserve heritage, and connect generations through the universal language of sound.
