One of Nigeria’s prominent Juju highlife musicians, Evangelist Dele Ojo, passed away on Thursday at his hometown in Ilara Mokin in Ondo State. He was 79 years old.
He will forever remain remembered for his contribution to Nigerian Music and his timeless Evergreen Classics ” Tere Na”, Bouncing Bona, Iya Ni Wura, etc
Evergreen Musical Company Limited put together his last public musical performance in 2016 to recognise him and celebrate him for his musical ingenuity and the formal launch of his entire musical compendium.
Dele Ojo was a member of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria. He was also the first chairman of the Ondo State chapter and the chairman of the Ekiti, Kwara, and Ogun state chapters.
The Man Dele Ojo
Rev James Ogundele Ojo was born on the 10th of July, 1938, in Ilaramokin, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, into devout Christian parents.
Young Dele Ojo attended St. Michael Primary School between 1944 and 1955, where he served his tutelage.
He worked as a teacher and school band leader as St. James School, Igbara Odo and also taught at Holy Trinity School Ikere Ekiti and L.A School, Akure, as a Music teacher and band leader.
In addition to the practical knowledge he acquired under Roy Chicago, Dele Ojo’s desire for more rudimentary knowledge took him to Mr. Bamijoko, a musical maestro who later established a music school where Dele developed more skills between 1955 and 1957.
Dele Ojo’s real professional career began as a trumpeter with Dr. Victor Olaiya in 1969. To his credit, he displays unparalleled loyalty and commitment to service throughout his stay.
He was the first Chairman of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in the South Western States, including the Kwara and Kogi states.
In his desire to elevate Juju/Highlife to greater heights, Dele attended many professional trainings and seminars both in Nigeria and abroad. This qualification made him the first Nigerian Juju/Highlife musician to have exploits in America and the UK during his more than eight-year sojourn overseas.
This Man of God, Rev. James Dele Ojo, has established the Joyful Voice Ministry, where church choristers are taught the foundation of church ministration and praise worship.
The illustrious son of Ondo and the Yoruba nation with several musical awards locally and internationally is presently a visiting instructor at the Elizade University, Ilaramokin, Ondo State.
Terena, as he is fondly called, was the first Nigerian musician to introduce bass steel guitar into juju/highlife music in his record (Bouncing Bona) in the sixties. He also created a complete band, including six stage microphones and a setting of other instruments backstage.
