Fatai Rolling Dollar

Prince Olayiwola Fatai Olagunju, known better as Fatai Rolling Dollar (22 July 1927 – 12 June 2013), was a Nigerian musician, described by the BBC as a "nationally celebrated performer."[1] He died on 12 June 2013, at the age of 86, and was praised by past Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.[1][2][3]

Fatai Rolling Dollar
Birth namePrince Olayiwola Fatai Olagunju
Also known asFatai Rolling Dollar
Born(1927-07-22)22 July 1927
Ede, Nigeria
Died12 June 2013(2013-06-12) (aged 86)
Lagos, Nigeria
GenresJuju, Highlife
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, instrumentalist
InstrumentsGuitar, vocals
Associated actsEbenezer Obey

Biography

He started his musical career in 1953 and had mentored a number of musicians including Ebenezer Obey and the late Orlando Owoh. He was known for his dexterity at playing the guitar, Rolling Dollar's last major hit was "Won Kere Si Number Wa".

In 1957, he formed an eight-piece band called Fatai Rolling Dollar and his African Rhythm Band, and they recorded numerous seven-inch singles for Phillips West Africa Records.[4]

Death

He died peacefully in his sleep. He was buried in Ikorodu, Lagos[5] He was the oldest surviving music artist in Nigeria.[4]

References
  1. "Fatai Rolling Dollar dies: Nigeria's Jonathan pays tribute". BBC News. 13 June 2013.
  2. Samuel Abulude, "Nigeria: Pa Fatai Rolling Dollar – a Music Icon", AllAfrica, 16 June 2013.
  3. "Last pictures of Fatai Rolling Dollars", whisperNigeria.net.
  4. "Highlife singer, Fatai Rolling Dollar dies @ 85", Vanguard, 12 June 2013.
  5. Njoku, Benjamin; Aina, Iyabo (13 June 2013). "Fatai Rolling Dollar buried". The Vanguard. Retrieved 14 November 2014.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.