We all know that death is inevitable; it’s the conclusion to all our stories. It’s the final chapter of everyone’s story. We always expect it to happen at old age. At a certain point in time when we’ve done, dusted, and rested.
But unfortunately, sometimes it comes when we least expect it, and it’s always hard to speak in front of people about someone.
To tell his story in a brief moment, to say things about him. What gives me joy is that Sultan was celebrated while he was alive. We enjoyed him, we appreciated him, and his legacy will live on. On a personal level, I can’t tell you, for the life of me, when we met or how we met. But I know that my journey, not just in the music industry or entertainment industry, but my journey in life has been entwined and has been linked with Sultan.
From my days of producing and presenting programs on NTA 2 Channel 5. From my days of making programs on Clapperboard Television to my days of meeting up with their 2Face and Plantashun Boyz. We’ve always been linked from my days of producing programs and presenting on Cool FM and Beat FM. We’ve done so many things together, and looking back, you know, I cannot say that we were the best of friends, but we were close enough to understand that we were both on a journey, and that journey was to bring joy and happiness to people all around.
I think that Sultan did that as best as anyone has ever done that. I don’t think he’s died; I think he’s just moved on to a better place. His personality and his talent were unrivalled and incredible.
We did an event many years ago, and the event was like where new young artistes had to sing songs from older artistes. Sultan came on stage and did Fela Kuti songs. It was incredible; I mean, he could do anything. Apart from the comedy, apart from just being who he was, his music was so unique. And what I believe is going to make him live forever is the fact that he was truly original, and you don’t have too many of those anymore.
When I meet young, new artistes, I say, “who are you?” “What are you trying to do?” ” What are you trying to say?” “Where do you belong?” “Are you trying to create your own lane?” Few artists are like that. You could never, ever put him in a box because, at some point in time, he’ll come out with a song that does this, a song that does that. But he was indeed an original. My words to his friends and family are that the beauty of having an artiste that we share his journey with, we share his life, is that the music, the comedy, the skits, the love he left behind will live on forever.
I’m so happy that at some point in time, my life crossed his. We entwined and we became friends. Every time he had a brand new song, he would call. The excitement in his voice. He’ll say, “Look, I’ve got a new song, and this one is different.” He wasn’t just trying to make music as a way of living away or making money. Every song that he made and released has a message. It said something; there was something about it that was unique. The legacy of those songs will live on.
I don’t know what else to say, but I love the brother, and I think he would be happy to see the gathering here tonight, to understand that he made a difference. What is important in our lives is not how much money we make or how famous we become. It is about the impact, the legacy we leave behind. How did we impact the lives of those around us? In a very short space of time that he had, in the 44 years he was here on this earth, did he make an impact? Did he make a difference? Did he leave a legacy? And he did.
Yes, we’re sad that he’s gone, but we’re happy he left us with so many memories. He left us a legacy of music and things that we’re going to be talking about and enjoying for many decades to come. God bless Sound Sultan. God bless his spirit, and his spirit does live on absolutely.
