Pa Chris Ajilo

Pa Chris Ajilo was a veteran highlife musician and producer who was born on December 26, 1929, at Okepopo on Lagos Island. He attended CMS Grammar School, Lagos, where his passion for music was developed. He later went to England and studied music at the Central School of Dance Music, London, under famous musicians such as Johnny Dankworth and Don Randell. He returned to Nigeria in 1957 and formed his band, the Chris Ajilo and the Cubanos. He recorded many hit songs such as Eko Gba Gbere, Ariwo and Emi Mimo. He also worked as a producer at Polygram Records, where he helped preserve the works of many Nigerian musicians. He was the first general manager of the Performing and Mechanical Rights Society of Nigeria, a position he held for 14 years. He retired in 2007. He was a respected and influential figure in the Nigerian music industry, and he mentored many young musicians. He performed at the Independence Day celebration in 1960, leading the national band. He celebrated his 90th birthday in 2019 with a concert that featured many of his colleagues and fans. He died on February 20, 2021, at the Wesley Guild Hospital,Ilesa, Osun, after a brief illness. He was 91 years old.