Sonny Okosun

Sonny Okosun was a Nigerian musician who was known as the leader of the Ozzidi band. He named his band Ozzidi after a renowned Ijaw river god, but to Okosun the meaning was "there is a message". His surname is sometimes spelled Okosuns and his first name Sunny. He was one of the leading Nigerian musicians from the late 1970s to mid-1980s. Okosun's brand of African pop music, Ozzidi, is a synthesis of Afro-beat, reggae and funk music. From 1977, he became known for protest songs about Pan-Africanism, freedom and a few other social and political issues affecting Africans. Okosun started his musical career as a member of the Postmen, a band led by Melvin Ukachi. He later formed his own group, the Paperback Limited, and then the Ozzidi band in 1972. He released his first album, Ozzidi, in 1974, followed by several others, such as Fire in Soweto, Holy Wars, and Which Way Nigeria. Some of his popular songs include "Mother and Child", "Papa's Land", "Revolution", and "Now or Never". He also collaborated with other African musicians, such as Manu Dibango, Hugh Masekela, and Miriam Makeba. Okosun was not only a musician, but also an activist who used his music to speak out against injustice and oppression. He was a vocal critic of the apartheid regime in South Africa and supported the liberation movements in Zimbabwe and Namibia. He also campaigned for democracy and human rights in Nigeria and other African countries. He was arrested several times by the Nigerian military government for his political views and songs. He also performed at various concerts and events to raise awareness and funds for various causes, such as Live Aid, Mandela Day, and the African National Congress. Okosun died on 24 May 2008 at the Howard University Hospital in Washington DC, after a long battle with colon cancer. He was 61 years old. He is survived by his wife, Caroline, and his five children. He is regarded as one of the pioneers and legends of African music and a voice of the oppressed. His music and message continue to inspire and influence many people across the world.