By Olumide Iyanda
I have lost a friend and father figure in Fatai Rolling Dollar. Fatai Rolling Dollar cut short a trip outside Nigeria to play at my wedding on Thursday June 26, 2003. He didn’t collect a dime from me. Fatai Rolling Dollar wasn’t popular with the modern crowd back in 2003 as he is now. But he killed my wedding reception.
I saw Fatai Rolling Dollar (FRD) perform live for the first time at the Goethe Institut, Victoria Island at a Highlife Revival Party. The FRD party at Goethe Institut was facilitated by Benson Idonigie and Jahman Anikulapo. I began a father and son relationship with FRD after I interviewed him for Punch at his old house in Mushin circa 2002.
FRD was ever full of life. His antics on stage (and his wives) belie his stage. FRD always had a story to tell and was quick witted. We had many drive from Ojez to his Oko Oba home a number of times after Elders Forum. FRD’s ‘Won Kere Si Number’ has been my caller tune for as long as I can remember. His songs move me. FRD played the guitar for a church in Mushin. His talent helped the church grow, but he was later sacked because he was a Muslim.
FRD was born in Isale Eko on July 22 1928 according to his words in Easy Motion Tourist from his 2004 album; Returns. He schooled at St Patrick’s on the Island. Fatai Rolling Dollar and I used to drink Guinness Stout at Elders Forum at Ojez on Iwaya Rd before the one at the Stadium was opened. FRD told me he stopped drinking and smoking, but would not give up his passion for women.
Everybody loved FRD. There is the story of a prostitute who was willing to pay for his company many years ago. His one-room apartment was always neat and well arranged.
FRD and KSA met at my wedding in 2003 for the first time since the Easy Motion Tourist Controversy. KSA bowed and FRD prayed for him.
I once asked FRD what he was saying in a line from his Ori Wa Adara song and he said ‘Koleye E Jare’.
The first song I heard FRD sing on stage was Iyawo Ma Pami. Fatai Rolling Dollar taught me to tolerate certain people. Unfortunately, many took advantage of his good nature and desire for a good life at old age to cheat him.
Fatai Rolling Dollar played first for love. Money was a distant consideration. He fell on hard times when his equipment were destroyed from those who borrowed them when unknown soldiers raided Kalakuta.
Olumide Iyanda is a Lagos based Journalist; and the Editor of Saturday Independent
