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  • Baba Sala’s daughter campaigns against drug abuse at Ibadan poly

    Baba Sala’s daughter campaigns against drug abuse at Ibadan poly

    In an effort to discourage drug abuse on the campuses, Dr. Oyindamola Adejumo-Ayibiowu, the daughter of the late Yoruba comedian, Moses Olaiya Adejumo, has taken a campaign to the Ibadan Polytechnic, Oyo State.

    Oyindamola, through her Oratorio Music Foundation, hosted a powerful drug awareness campaign and concert tagged ‘Saved and Sound.’ The initiative, anchored in the foundation’s long-standing vision of youth transformation through music, mentorship, and community outreach, united hundreds of students under one prophetic anthem: ‘You are known by the company you keep… so choose wisely.’

    Oyindamola A development economist, gospel artist, disclosed that “Many students don’t plan to use drugs, they fall because of wrong company, misplaced pressure, or the simple absence of mentorship. That’s why we created Oratorio, to provide a covenant space of safety, creativity, and destiny.”

    Supported by the visionary leadership of Rector Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi and Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Makinde Joseph Akinwunmi, the event was a resounding success.

    Also present was Mr. Olamide Daniel Oladipupo, President of the Student Union Government and a biochemistry student, who added scientific insight to the conversation. ‘Energy drinks and other substances give temporary rush but come with long-term consequences when abused,’ he explained. “We must choose strength through discipline, not shortcuts.”

    The keynote address, delivered by a representative of the NDLEA, underscored the urgency of the moment. With alarming data showing that 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15–64 have used illicit substances, and one in every four users being female, the speaker urged students to invest in prevention strategies like peer accountability, healthy stress management, and spiritual grounding. “Prevention + Compassion = A Healthier Nigeria,” he concluded.

    Moderated by Orat Peter Boluwatife, Acting Director of Oratorio’s Community Service Department, the panel session featured passionate voices across mental health, law enforcement, academia, and student leadership.

     Mrs. Oluwaranti Sanni, Deputy Commander of Narcotics at NDLEA Zone 9 Command, detailed how the agency is fighting the drug war not just with force, but with education. “We need citizens, especially students, to be the eyes and ears of this campaign,” she noted.

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    Public Health Expert Dr. Olubunmi Ojelade stirred hearts when she said, “Drugs don’t always wear a dirty face. Some students use them to stay awake and study, but those pills kill silently from within.” Her call: break the silence, change the narrative.

    Oratorio’s appointed staff adviser and lecturer at the Polytechnic, Mr. Olagoke Olawale Israel, offered a sobering insight into the subtle pressures on campuses today. “Soft drinks are now laced. Students skip classes, fall behind, and lean on substances. But your ability to say NO to drugs is your YES to destiny.”

    The program climaxed in a spirit-charged music concert that featured heartfelt worship, dance, spoken word, and vibrant musical performances from the Oratorio Music Group, The Polytechnic Ibadan Chapter, led by Orat Omotola Okubanjo, President and Head of the Social Media and Branding Unit. Through harmonies and testimonies, the hall became more than an auditorium, it became an altar.

    “This was not just a concert,” Omotola said afterward. “This was a rescue mission.”

    Since its founding, Oratorio Music Foundation has operated on campuses as a holistic intervention model, where music is a tool, but the mission is deeper: to raise transformational leaders, sharpen destiny, and prevent the downward spiral of drugs and despair. With departments ranging from music & performance and prayer to social media and community service, Oratorio equips students to lead with conviction and creativity.

    “As a Foundation, we are not just raising singers,” Dr. Oyindamola Adejumo-Ayibiowu remarked. “We are raising vessels, young people who will carry the sound of God to the nations, walk in excellence, and mentor the next.” The Polytechnic Ibadan chapter is a glowing example of this mission in action.

    In a time when the nation searches for solutions to youth restlessness, drug abuse, and hopelessness, Oratorio is quietly scripting a different story, one of music, meaning, and mission.

  • How pirates hijacked Baba Sala’s ‘Orun Mooru’

    How pirates hijacked Baba Sala’s ‘Orun Mooru’

    Emmanuel Adejumo aka Boi Sala is one of the sons of the late comedy impresario, Moses Olaiya Adejumo alias Baba Sala. It is exactly five years of the demise of Baba Sala and his children had a ball in his honour in Ilesa, Osun State where they celebrated him. In this chat with Edozie Udeze, Boi Sala, also a comedian, clears the air on some certain projects in place to continue to immortalize Baba Sala and all that he stands for and how his first film Orun Mooru, was pirated.

    It is exactly five years since the demise of Moses Olaiya Adejumo popularly known as Baba Sala. Baba Sala was an ace comedian in traditional Yoruba language. He was well-versed in idioms and wise sayings that enabled him to stir the audience into hilarious laughter in his outings. He also produced a number of films and dramas that spelt him out as one of the best during his time.

    Two weeks ago, members of his family, friends and longtime associates gathered in his country home in Ilesa, Osun Sate to pay tribute to him. It was a big moment of thanksgiving in the church, as well as moments to reflect on his life and times. It was also time to dwell on those works he did that have outlived him. One of his sons named Emmanuel Adejumo but who goes by the name Boi Sala was on hand to speak to The Nation. He explained why the celebration was moved to Ilesa; why the children have chosen to continue to immortalize their father in different ways, with different forms of theatricals.

    Boi Sala said “We moved to Ilesa for the anniversary this year because we needed it to be more of a family affair. It was more of thanksgiving in our local church in Ilesa. Even though almost all his children and wives were around, it was only some in far places who could not make it. It was good indeed, an ample time for us to meet to deliberate on his works, the legacy he has left behind”.

    Boi Sala himself, a comic artiste in many ways and one who often replicates his father’s funny costumes, long smokes pipe and custom made glasses and bow tie, went on: “We are trying to package more things as well as to keep his name alive. The family is thinking of how to reopen the festival we started in his name last year. We hope to make it bigger and larger, extending it to other places when we celebrate it again. This is so, because Baba Sala’s jokes and works were not localized in one place when he was alive. We can expand the celebration to happen in different cities and states when we have it again. The festival will continue to be in his name. What we hope to do now is to get more sponsors and partners, individuals, groups and companies who want to come in to make the shows bigger, larger and more encompassing”.

    People can come in as either partners and sponsors to ensure that the wonderful works of this big artiste who spent his entire life to make the public happy do not die with him. “We are also trying to retrieve some of his works that were pirated before now”, Boi Sala said. The family also intends to reshoot one of his most famous films called orun mooru which gave him his most fame. “The film was so outstanding that it was also pirated by people”, he said.

    Orun mooru was actually the turning point in the professional life of Moses Adejumo as a comedian. The film was so celebrated that it somewhat became a household name in the annals of celluloid film production in Nigeria. But Boi Sala insisted that the pirating was one of the reasons their father lost so much in his fortunes. “It almost ruined him career-wise”, Boi Sala explained. When they reproduce the film in the future, they will reshoot it with the newest technology in the film industry in Nigeria. “We intend to make it more modern. We hope also to achieve this if we can have partners as I have said before. At least by next year when the 6th anniversary is on we would have been able to do so. Truly orun mooru was his first film. It was a big hit. He made it up to the box office. This was why all eyes were on it before the pirates struck”.

    Even though Baba Sala produced other films thereafter, orun mooru did not only remain his favourite, it was also the darling of theatre and cinema houses in Nigeria. Other films and dramas by Baba Sala included Aare agbaye, Ana Governor, Mosebolatan, Agba man, Obe Gbona, Diamond and return match among others. Boi Sala said that all these works are available and are being appreciated by film buffs all over the world.

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    Of all these films, three are celluloid films which went on to make it but not exactly like orun mooru did. But also mosebolatan made it big but not as big as orun mooru. Yet the joy of it all is that Baba Sala ended up a big artiste leaving behind more works for the children and family. These works, some of which are still in the kitty are waiting to be produced. “We will revisit some of his works that have not been produced”, Boi Sala disclosed.

    He was happy however that his father’s name opens doors for them wherever they go. “The name is big enough for us the children. Apart from the works he produced, he left a good name for us his children. A good name is worth more than gold. This is why some of us are everywhere doing the best we can to prosper in the art; to key into the good name to move on in life”. In fact almost all his children are into comedy and theatre practice. They carry on with their father’s profession doing all they can to project his name and make a living for themselves. For instance Boi Sala (Emmanuel) is into theatre as a dancer, producer, comedian and all. He is a staffer of the National Troupe of Nigeria where he has done much to prove himself. There is Muyiwa who is a content creator. He is also a Senior Assistant to Osun State governor, Adeleke.

    Deji is an actor, while Pelumi is a comedian almost in the way their father started. Also Morounkola, a lady is a comedienne, so also is Jumoke another of his daughters. Smart doubles as a comedian and as a Master of Ceremonies. Biodun, another son of his is equally a comedian alongside Lanre. All of them are located in different parts of the world where they do theatre the best ways they can, touching lives and entertaining the public.

    Moses Olaiya Adejumo is today a name theatre enthusiasts and lovers of the cinema can never forget in a hurry. He came, he saw, he accomplished, he conquered and today his children, male and female, are proving, that indeed, entertainment runs in their blood, in their lineage, in their professional calling

  • Baba Sala, veteran Yoruba comedian, buried in Ilesa amid tears

    The remains of the late veteran Yoruba comedian, Moses Adejumo, popularly known as Baba Sala, were buried in his Ilesa country home, on Friday, amid tears by family members and other sympathisers.

    The 82-year-old comedian died on October 7, at his private residence in Ilesa, after suffering a stroke, according to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report.

    Speaking at the funeral service held for the deceased at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Model Parish District Headquarters, Ilesa, Elder Apostle S.O Adeoye enjoined Christians to live a life worthy of emulation.

    Read also: My grey beard is a brand god himself gave me – Veteran actor Jibola Dabo

    He said the late  Adejumo lived an exemplary and fulfilled life by serving his God, the church and humanity.

    Adeoye, who urged the congregation to “ always lay their treasures in heaven where they will not be consumed by ants, ’’ said the life and times of the late comedian should serve as a worthy example.

  • ‘Baba Sala lived a fulfilled life’

    How well did you know the late comedy icon, Baba Sala?

    I have known him for a while; it started from when we were growing up. He started the comedy show in his theatre; he was one of the earliest crops that brought out theatre and took it to the media known as visual then.

    How would you describe his contribution to Nigerian comedy business?

    “He contributed greatly to the comedy in Nigeria and one of the pioneers of theatre phase, including film making. Just to go back to his comedy, I recall very well that he made a very great impact even presently. Former Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, who was in government, was one of his greatest fans. As a comedian, he relaxed your mind, he made you laugh. I can say there was competition, but his comedy in Nigeria has laid foundation for other comedians coming after to be emulated.

    How was the comedy of those days different from those of today?

    Comedy is not different, comedy is comedy. It is the content that you are using that makes it different. Don’t forget that there is transformation in Nigeria. In those days where we didn’t have express way, when Gowon was constructing the express way, they made comedy about it. It was so possible to make all kind of comedy. So, comedy is still comedy but the content you will use to do those comedy is different from that of now.

    Would you say he lived a fulfilled life?

    Yes I think he lived a fulfilled life because as a comedian and theatre practitioner, you will have challenges. That is how the life of people are. Every human being have challenges, but those who are facing it, only them know their challenges. Of course we also have environmental challenges because of our society. There is a film he borrowed money to shoot (Orun Mooru), which was released in 1982. That is his major film that was pirated and that actually spotted his goal, yes his business goal. For the realisation of this dream, he had to borrow over N1.5million to see him through the business. You know what bank loan is; you borrowed money and invested in your business, you have not even made your investment how much more making profit. Then that job was pirated. So you regard that problem as challenge. I think most of his property was spotted for sale because of the loan. Those were the challenges he had. Yes he lived a fulfilled life.

    What would you miss about the great icon?

    I will miss him in the theatre world. Definitely, we will miss him. When somebody goes away his past still remains. So we will miss him. We can only pray that God almighty accept him.

  • BABA SALA: What artistes are saying about the late comic icon

    The late Moses Olaiya Adejumo, popularly called Baba Sala was a phenomenal entertainer. Contemporaries and younger artistes attest to his amiability and creative resourcefulness in this report.

    I once broke my arm for Baba Sala –Mr. Latin

    “BABA Sala was a legend, a pathfinder who showed us the way to be the comedians that we are today. He showed us that indeed, there is money in comedy, and we can all see for ourselves today.

    “I once had a broken arm because of Baba Sala. I was in Ilesa in 2002, when he was being conferred with the title of Baba Aladure. I was one of the artistes invited, and as I got down, the crowd was overwhelming, and as they were struggling to greet me, my hand got broken and I nursed it for five months. But the good part was that he wrote me a letter, signed personally by him, that he appreciated my coming. He was a good man.”

     

    He was down to earth -Jide Kosoko

    “He was a nice man. A leader and someone most of us looked up to while growing up. He was so accommodating and contributed greatly to the theater, especially in comedy. I remember back then, we were having meeting and everyone kicked against him, but nobody was bold enough to tell him he had wronged us. As young as I was, I picked up courage and mentioned it to him that he had offended a lot of people, and right there, he prostrated to apologise to everyone. That is to show how humble he was. I pray that God grant him eternal peace.”

     

     

    Generations of artistes gained from his craft -Joke Silva

    “Baba Sala was an amazing man, a lot of generations of artistes gained from his craft. At the height of his career, his movie, I cannot remember the name of the movie that got dubbed and flooded the market before its release, which affected him financially. But for the love of the art, he continued and did not let that pull him down.”

     

     

     

    ODUNLADE ADEKOLA: He was and still a household name

    “What I can say about Baba Sala is that, he was a mega star, an icon. Baba Sala was everything that has to do with every household. He had stopped acting for some years and a 17-year-old can still say one or two things about him without seeing any of his movies. That is to tell you how great he was. I pray that he will rest in perfect peace.”

     

     

     

    He was my mentor – Gbenga Adeyinka

    “He was not just a comedian, but a national icon and treasure. He paved way for lots of us and what we are enjoying today. For me, who took him as a mentor, I hope that his name will not be forgotten on the face of the earth and that God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

     

     

     

    SAIDI BALOGUN: He believed in the youth

    “He was a nice man, who believed in the youths. I had once worked with him. He had much passion for what he was doing. He did a movie, ‘Orun Mooru’, which was pirated, but he did not relent as he went ahead to produce another film titled ‘Mosebolatan’, to show that he did not give up. The difference between his work then and that of today is digital. I just pray that young comedians of today would come together and celebrate a legend of comedy.”

     

     

    Baba Sala never engaged in any deceitful act –Iya Rainbow

    “Baba Sala was a good man, humble and does not quarrel. He was a man that told the truth and a man of God to the core. I had known him for a very long time and I can tell that he does not engage in any deceitful act; he will say it the way it is, no matter the circumstances.”

  • Baba Sala is gone

    •Moses Adejumo, committed comedian is no more

    He was a committed comedian. He defined his brand by creating and playing a character that not only appeared in a comical costume but also spoke and acted comically.

    He said in an interview: “I just thought of specialising, of doing something unique, that’s how I struck on comedy. You know, it makes people to laugh. So, we developed the character, Baba Sala. He had to be a retired PWD worker, fed and clothed by his wife, while he does the home chores – just to make things funny.” He was better known by his stage name, which was a reflection of its appeal.

    Moses Olaiya Adejumo died on October 7, aged 82. He enjoyed a massive following in his heyday, particularly in southwest Nigeria where his Yoruba comedies were magnetic. Born in Ilesa in present-day Osun State, Adejumo attended Obokun High School, Ilesa. After he left the school in 1959, he got a job as a health officer at the Lagos City Council. He learnt to play the guitar and performed with bands. He later formed his own band.

    Adejumo switched from music to acting. This was the beginning of his active years as an actor.  He explained: “What happened was that we normally had intervals during our performances, during which we staged drama sketches to break the tedium of music and dance. Now, people increasingly expressed interest in that more and so in 1965, we rested the band and went into full-scale drama.” It was a measure of his acting talent that the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service gave him a contract to do skits on radio.  His success on radio led to his television appearances.

    The artiste became a businessman as Adejumo established businesses, including a recording company, a chain of hotels and a cinema. His dynamism took him into film-making. His reasoning: ”Film paid better than stage productions, because you can show it at three, four or more venues at the same time and that fetched you a lot of money, many times more than one stage production can give you.”

    Sadly and ironically, Adejumo fell on hard times on account of his involvement in film-making. He never fully recovered from the financial loss he suffered as a result of the piracy of his first film, Orun Mooru (1982).  He was a victim of his fame. Indeed, his death is a poignant reminder that piracy continues to thrive in the country, wrecking creative minds and destroying lives.  Adejumo’s death should put anti-piracy efforts on the front burner.  Though he released other films after the first fiasco, Aare Agbaye (1983) andMosebolatan (1985), there was no doubt that Adejumo had become a shadow of his former self.

    But Adejumo’s recognition remained undiminished. In addition to his 1978 national award, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), Adejumo attracted significant honours for his professional distinction: The Legendary Award for Achievement and Excellent contribution to entertainment in Africa, London; Merit Award by Radio Nigeria, Gold F.M Ilesa Osun State; Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) 2000 (Leadership Award); NTA Ibadan at 50 Award for Outstanding Contributions to TV Broadcasting in Nigeria; Golden Comedian Award.

    Comedy and comedians have changed in Nigeria, but Adejumo’s enduring relevance is the unique creativity he brought to his performances and the passion that took precedence over materialism. His words: “Bring something unique on board, that was the secret of the success of the Alawada brand. It was a new idea. I didn’t copy anybody.” Adejumo was socially conscious. His comedies provoked laughter, but they were also meant to provoke thinking. He will be remembered for his cultural services.

  • Baba Sala: ‘We’ve lost another icon – Aregbesola

    The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has commiserated with the Adejumo Abogunloko family of Ijoka Ilesa, on the passing of its patriarch, Apostle Moses Olaiya, aka Baba Sala.

    Aregbesola said the death of Pa Adejumo, ends an era of flowing and successful theatre career.

    The entertainer who was reported to have died of age-related illness, held the Nigerian theatre stage spellbound for more than five decades.

    In a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Sola Fasure, Aregbesola said the death of the comedy legend would create a huge hiatus in the thespian trade in Nigeria.

    The Governor said every Nigerian, who grew up in the South-West, would attest to the prowess and productivity of the late Pa Adejumo either on the television series and later the celluloid at the cinema.

    Aregbesola noted that Adejumo was unarguably the greatest comedian around for more than 50 years, which made him the darling and delight of every home.

    He said: “I received the news of the death of Pa Moses Olaiya aka Baba Sala, with a deep and irreplaceable sense of loss. He has been in our prayers since he battled with ailments arising from old age for some time now. His death is significant in here in that he has gone to rest with his Lord permanently.

    “Nevertheless, his exit signified an end to his own brand of comedy, which no one can rival or beat. His death has therefore left a yawning gap in the theatre arena in the country.

    “Pa Moses Olaiya Adejumo was undoubtedly a theatre veteran, a comedian par excellence and a humour merchant of no mean feat.

    “He was a multi-talented artiste whose works straddle music, theatre and comedy. He had a travelling theatre troupe, performing in concerts, got his works recorded on vinyl and LP albums, cassettes, cartridge, celluloid, CD, video CD and DVD. He was also an entrepreneur, with significant investments in entertainment, hotels and recreation.

    “He would forever be remembered for his creativity, dramatic simplicity, far-reaching and rib-cracking humour.

    “His humour is clean, elevating, uplifting, philosophical and borne out of wisdom. You can hardly watch him without laughing and getting highly elated. He was a harbinger of good fortune: he made people forget their sorrows through his talent.

    “His death certainly has left a gap too huge to be covered in the immediate subsequent years without him.

  • Veteran Yoruba comedian, ‘Baba Sala’ is dead

    A foremost Yoruba comedian, Moses Adejumo , popularly known as Baba Sala, is dead.

    Baba Sala, a popular Nigerian comedian, dramatist and actor who was born in 1936, died on Sunday in Ilesha, Osun at the age of 82.

    His media assistant, Mr Isaac Hastrup confirmed the death of the veteran comedian to newsmen on telephone, Monday in Osogbo.

    Hastrup said, “Baba has died. He died some minutes to 10 pm on Sunday night.

    “His remains have been taken to the morgue. He died of old -age related sickness.

    “He came to church two Sundays ago and he was the one that said the benediction.

    “Baba has gone to be with the Lord and he will be missed by many people including his fans.”

    It was gathered that his body had been deposited at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex Annex, (Wesley Guild Hospital), Ilesa.

    One of his sons, Emmanuel Adejumo, aka Boisala also confirmed his father’s demise in the early hours of Monday, on his Facebook page.

    “My Daddy is gone. Finally gone home to glory. King of Comedy finally says bye-bye to this world.

    “I will miss you so much Daddy. I love you so much but God loves you more. Good night my mentor, father, teacher, gist partner. My daddy is gone,” Boisala stated on Facebook.

    Baba Sala was regarded as the father of modern Nigerian comedy, alongside other dramatists like Hubert Ogunde , Kola Ogunmola, Oyin Adejobi and Duro Ladipo who popularised theatre and television acting in Nigeria.

    A prolific filmmaker, Baba Sala started his career in show business as a Highlife musician, floating in 1964 a group, the Federal Rhythm Dandies where he tutored the Jùjú music maestro, King Sunny Adé who was his lead guitarist.

    Some of the films acted by the late comedian include; Orun Mooru (1982),Aare Agbaye (1983), Mosebolatan (1985).

    Obee Gbona (1989), Diamond (1990 Home video ), Agba Man (1992, Home Video)Return Match (1993, Home Video), Ana Gomina (1996, home video, ), among others.

  • Baba Sala not dead, says son

    Baba Sala not dead, says son

    Popular actor, Moses Olaiya, popularly known as “ Baba Sala ’’ is alive, his son confirmed on Wednesday.

    Mr Boisala Adejumo, one of Olaiya’s sons debunked the raging rumour that “Baba Sala’’ died on Tuesday – saying that the veteran actor was alive.

    Adejumo said that although his father was frail as could be expected of anyone of his age, “he is hale and hearty.

    Baba Sala is alive so, please save your condolences. My father is over 80 years old and is frail, due to illnesses associated with old age but he is alive.

    “My father is peacefully enjoying his life in Ijesa and he does not have stroke either.”

    Adejumo advised the public to always desist from quickly reacting to information emanating from the social media, noting that information on the social media could be misleading.

    He advised bloggers to always carry thorough investigations and seek clarifications from relevant authorities before posting information on social media.

    “Most bloggers or online reporters are not seasoned journalists. They just post things to attract inflow of traffic to their sites,” Adejumo said.

     Baba Sala  also rumoured to have died some months ago was  born on May 18, 1936. He is hailed from Ijesha, Osun.

    He is an ace actor and a musician, dramatist and a comedian. He could be described as one of the fathers if not even the grand-father of the modern Nigerian comedians.

    He always sings in a spectacular way in all his movies due to his passion for music.

    Baba Sala started his career as a musician of ‘High life’ in  1964 under a brand name of a band known as ‘Federal Rhythm Dandies’.

    The band tutored and guided King of Juju music, Prince Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA) where he used to play the ‘Lead Guitar’ role.

    NAN

  • WHY MY FATHER WAS RUMOURED DEAD – ACE COMEDIAN BABA SALA’S SON B’SALA

    WHY MY FATHER WAS RUMOURED DEAD – ACE COMEDIAN BABA SALA’S SON B’SALA

    Emmanuel Adejumo, son of veteran comedian, dancer and actor, Moses Adejumo, popularly called Baba Sala, enjoyed affluence when his father was active and popular. In this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, he speaks on his career, present state of his father and other issues. Excerpts

    TELL us what it means to be the son of a popular entertainer?

    Being the son of a popular entertainer is quite interesting but only when you are still young because you get special treatment from parents and the environment. But once you grow up, it’s quite challenging – that is because you will need to buckle up to live up to expectations.

    You are also into entertainment. Is this influenced by your dad?

    Yes, I am greatly influenced by my dad’s image and his personality. I was born into wealth and fame and so won’t want to be a lesser being to my dad. I took up music but differently and like my dad would say, being yourself and being real is the key. I love my dad’s very creative way of performing his comic roles so I’m also influenced in that aspect to be very creative in my lyrics and composition.

    How long have you been doing music?

    I have been doing music as far as my high school days but I started my musical career professionally in 2009.

    Tell us about growing up with a father that is always busy?

    Not so easy as far as I can tell, because I was born at the height of my dad’s success, at the peak of his career when I was born. So, as kids, we only got to see him maybe once or twice in a month as he was always on tour internationally and all over Nigeria. So I was growing up under the care of so many guardians, lots of people correcting you at the same time.

    There have been tales of the demise of your father at different times. What has always been your reaction?

    It’s not new anymore because I know bad news, either true or false, travels fast like the wind. He has not been so active lately as one can understand it’s due to old age ailments, so he makes few or no public appearances. That’s the reason why such news will emanate and some hasty media will publicise it even before confirmation. But I always appreciate the love by well meaning Nigerians when such news breaks out.

    What about the reports that he is no longer agile?

    Baba is doing fine. This is old age – slow movement, being calm and collected, he attends all church programmes during the week. He still makes us laugh, still very funny like those times. Baba is doing fine and looking younger despite his age.

    Tell us how your father is doing at the moment?

    Yes, being agile comes with age. He was on stage for more than 30 years non-stop. This is the time to retire and count his blessings. No comedian in the history of this country has ever lasted this long in the industry. He was there in the days of black and white TV and analogue broadcasting and still present in this digital age. In mind, he’s agile; it’s only the weak bones. So with this, I say he’s a strong man. I still call him agile, strong enough to see decades of digital revolution.

    Do you feel he is getting the best at the moment as one of the pioneers of comedy in Nigeria?

    No, he’s not getting the best. For someone who bagged the award of Member of Order Nigeria, M.O.N. he needs to be celebrated more. He gave Nigerians comic relief during the civil war, trained one of the best guitarists in the history of Nigeria, King Sunny Ade. I think he should be more rewarded for his labour than just his personal efforts.

    Are you saying Baba is not celebrated enough?

    As the first comedian in Africa he needs to be celebrated while living, not when he’s no more.

    Why did you adapt the name B’Sala?

    The name B’Sala is an abbreviation of Baba Sala. My friends and my schoolmates call me that, so when I started music I had no other choice.

    Collaboration is one of the factors of being a top act. Who are those you have collaborated with?

    I had my first collaboration with an artiste in the US, A’cue, a US-born Naija artiste in the song “Mo Quality”, presently working on a track which I’ll feature 9ice and Gabriel Afolayan.

    You seem to spend more of your time abroad. Why?

    Travelling is an adventure. I love meeting people at different places. I guess I’m only exhibiting that I’m a living thing, “movement”.

    Tell us the best memory of being Baba Sala’s son?

    The best memory of being a son to my dad, Baba Sala, is when I started meeting people of influence and I’m being recognised as a son to him. It makes good people want to be associated with you.

    Any plans to settle down before Baba goes to meet his ancestors?

    As everything is in the hand of God, I will leave it that way.

    From a polygamous home, how did Baba manage the home?

    The secret of any successful home is having a responsible father as a role model. My dad is hard working and very prayerful. This is how he managed his home. We, all the children, are proud of him.