Just left Afrobeat legend Dede Mabioku, and he took me through the painful experience of seeing his life’s work go up in flames
It took the fire service two hours to get to us, and by that time, I had lost saxophones, guitars, mixers and other such time-honoured pieces
His most painful loss was a 1952 tenor sax that was a classic. Second of a hundred built, and was the hunger of many collectors all over the world who spent time and effort convincing him to sell
As he spoke, I surveyed his expansive living room and could tell his life’s story from the well-placed pieces that adorned it
His lifelong god, Fela, took pride of place, and a pic of his late father, a very powerful Itsekiri chief, caught my attention
He later took me through a historical journey of the Itsekiri, which was so captivating and engaging
A quick tour of the studio shows the work of a remorseless fire
The whole place was pitch black with smoke still cascading and with the charred bodies of instruments that once gave breath to music
He remains poised to overcome this as he begins the long road to recovery with pride and angst, the angst that has seen him pass through many a trial and tribulation
This Thursday, I will be leading 20 of my close friends to his weekly Thursday gig to dance away this mishap in an orgy of classic and untainted afrobeat, garnished with yabis and exotic drinks
Already a drink brand, hearing of my plans,hhhas approached to serve up some exotic spirits, all Complimentary
If you care to join us in this wake keep, reach me now
No tears, bro, no tears
Duke of Shomolu
Last modified: July 20, 2026
