On August 18, 2021, former band leader of the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s Egypt 80 band, Olalekan Animashaun aka Baba Ani, celebrated his 85th birthday with pomp and ceremony.
The occasion was held at the Lagos Theatre, Igando under the chairmanship of former High Commissioner to Australia, Ayoola Olukanni.
The event also attracted family, friends, associates and well-wishers in attendance.
There was a robust conversation on: ‘Nigeria’s socio-political logjam: The way forward’ and ‘Music as a political weapon.’
Ably moderated by Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, the discussants – Debo Adeniran, Lanre Arogundade, Prof. Dele Seteolu, Babajide Kolade Otitoju and Seun Olota gave their perspectives on the subject matter.
Guest speaker and panelist, Arogundade said: ” It isn’t the context of the role of music and in this instance, that of Fela’s afrobeat in shaping the struggles of Nigerian peoples, that we can properly situate the monumental contributions of Lekan Animashaun – the Baba Ani of our time whose 85th anniversary we are gathered to celebrate.
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If Fela was the Field Marshall of the Afrobeat ensemble, then the Commander-In-Chief was Baba Ani as it was his responsibility as Fela ‘s second and longest band manager after Ben Idonije to ensure that the rhythm of the Afrobeat was maintained either at rehearsals or live performances.
With his background as a trained musician, key boardist and baritone saxophonist, no other person could have been better suited for the role than Baba Ani. Be it as Africa 70 or Egypt 80 therefore, Baba Ani easily added value to Fela ‘s music as band manager. ”
The highlight of the occasion was the cutting of cake and unveiling of the Lekan Animashaun Foundation.
The essence of the foundation is to have a recording studio, which has started as well as a school of music for indigent students for little or no cost.
The celebrator thanked all for honoring him as he solicited for assistance to bring his dream to fruition.
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