By Dayo Showemimo
Nigerian Reggae music legend, Majek Fashek whose real name is Majekodunmi Fasheke is fast sliding into oblivion while he’s still alive.
He’s hardly remembered for the great feats he achieved at his prime. He’s now a shadow of himself, a fallen hero. Most young Nigerians, born after his days of glory, may only remember him for alcoholism, drug addiction and a life of penury.
But once upon a time, Fashek was a legend, a locally-bred music star that had the world in his palms. He toured the world and brought fame to Nigeria. many tipped him as the next big thing after Bob Marley.
Here are some amazing facts you may not know about the man that now needs help to get his life back on track….
- In the 1980s he was a member of Benin-based reggae group Jastix that included Ras Kimono and Amos McRoy Gregg
- His song ‘Send Down The Rain’ was a worldwide hit that won six PMAN Music Awards, amongst many other laurels
- He has 4 studio albums and countless hit songs to his credit
- The 4 albums were released under 4 different record labels
- His debut solo album, ‘Prisoner of Conscience’ released in 1988, sold more than 200,000 copies in Nigeria alone.
- Majek Fashek got married to his childhood love, Rita and they have 3 kids together
- In 1992, Majek Fashek performed ‘So long’ Live on the David Letterman Show
- His father died when he was a baby. He has often said his mother (also now late) is the love of his life.
- His father believed to be Olatunji Fasheke, was from Osu-Ilesha, Osun State although Majek mostly claimed his mom’s Edo roots
- He has at different times been signed by Tabansi records, Island records, Tuff Gong, Coral, November and Interscope.
- He has a striking resemblance to Bob Marley, and the reggae world considered him Marley’s ‘spiritual heir’.
- He is a multi-instrumentalist, song writer, producer and gifted stage performer.
Watch his performance on David Letterman’s show below…
