ON Sunday, July
30, son of legendary highlife musician, Bobby Benson, Tony Benson, will be on
call at the monthly Elders’ Forum highlife music revivalist event.
The monthly show being put together by O’jez
Entertainment and Evergreen Musical Company is designed to recognize musicians
and other persons that have all contributed to Nigeria’ rich cultural heritage.
Bobby Benson was one Nigeria’s Godfather of highlife.
He provided effective apprenticeship for the first
generation of highlife musicians; he developed the scene and set the pace for
its revolution. He gave highlife music so much relevance in Nigeria and had
many great musicians such as Victor Olaiya, Roy Chicago, Billy Friday, Zeal
Onyia, Eddy Okonta, Baby Face Paul and Rex Lawson among others under his wings
in the early stages of their careers.
Bobby Benson was reputed to be the first highlife
musician in Nigeria to own a club and hotel which became the hub of entertainment
for the elites in the 50’s.
Many didn’t know that Gentleman Bobby as he was fondly
called by fans and admirers was also a comedian, magician and a showman.
His son Tony Benson has ensured that the family legacy
doesn’t fade away by remaining consistent in keeping the flame of highlife
music alive.
At the 6th edition of Elder’s forum holding at the
upscale Ojez Restaurant and Bar on Sunday, July 30, the younger Benson will be
thrilling guests with the best tunes of highlife music of the 60’s and Bobby
Benson will also be given a post-humus award for his role in musical
entertainment in Nigeria
Bobby Benson, a native of Ikorodu, Lagos State was born
in 1921. He died at the age of 62 years. His songs like ‘Taxi Driver’,
‘Gentleman Bobby’, ‘Ewa’ among many others will forever remain evergreen and
has been remixed by many budding Nigerian musicians.
No comments:
Post a Comment