Funeral arrangements of the dramatist, director, singer and choreographer, Mr Nicholas Babajide Ogungbade, popularly known as Pappy Jyde, has commenced today, October 24 with a Christian wake keep/service of songs under the ministration of the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, Ayo Ni O by 4 pm.
An Artiste Candle Light in memory of the Artistic Director of Ajo Productions (1983-86) set of plays and Ajo Festival of Plays (Ajofest) of 1986 will later follow between 7 to 9 pm. The NANTAP, staff members of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and others will participate in the event to be anchored by actor Toyin Oshinaike.
The remains of the late songwriter who died on July 9, 2019, will lie-in state on Friday, October 25 by 8 am while funeral service follows at 10 am at 9, CAC Avenue, Bakare Bus stop, Irepo Estate, Igando Road, Ikotun, Lagos.
Reception follows by 1.30 pm at Divine Emporium Event Services, Km 1, Isheri-Igando/LASU Road, Powerline Bus stop, Isheri-Olofin.
The Ayo Ni O Choir will be the host band at the occasion while there will be special tribute performances by Ayo Balogun, Kunle Ajomale, Azadus and Segun Adefila and the Crown Troupe. Other acts that will perform include Boy Sala, Jojo Bodybeat, Segun Dada and Oyin Gbade among others. Actors Tunji Sotimirin and Norbert Young will co-anchor the tribute event.
A thanksgiving service for him will happen on Sunday, October 27 by 8.30 am at Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, Ayo Ni O, District Headquarters, KM 4, Apapa-Oshodi Express Way, Lagos.
Born on August 21, 1952, Pappy Jyde, had to his credit numerous critically acclaimed artistic creations ranging from stage and radio drama, documentaries, poetry, prose, songs (secular and gospel) and contributed his creativity to some major films in the Nollywood field.
Aside a very active life in the theatre circle of the late 70s through early 90s, Ogungbade, for decades, worked in the Drama Department of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (now Radio Nigeria), where his scripted and/or produced drama pieces won so many awards, including URTHNA Awards in Radio Drama for Nigeria through FRCN (1980-83); All-Season Art Awards (1998); Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (2003); Theatro Maestro Artiste Awards, Tiata Dortmund (2004).
His plays include: the Ajo Productions set of plays –1983 – 1986: The King Must Dance Naked (1983); Woe unto Death (1984); The Last Omen (1985), and Budiso (1986 )– all based on scripts by the lawyer Fred Agbeyegbe, which Ogungbade, however, workshopped with colleagues, and directed with assistance from his friend, Ben Tomoloju.
In 1987, he wrote and directed ‘Ajagunna’ and ‘Whirlwind’. His Christianity-based works include: ‘Jesus and Martha’; ‘Queen Esther’; ‘King Eternal and Manger for Mankind ‘– all plays staged by the drama members of the C&S Movement, Ayo Ni O. His musical works mostly for the church, include: ‘Assurance’, ‘Take Control’, and ‘Oke Mimo’
His radio drama works are in hundreds, which he wrote and produced weekly as staff of the Radio Drama department of the FRCN. He wrote and consulted for BBC and Africa Radio Drama Association, ARDA, for Radio drama production.
His career in the FRCN Radio, saw him occupy various managerial positions including serving as head of department, Production Unit at the FRCN Training School, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. As a broadcast veteran, Jide Ogungbade was also the Broadcast Trainer at National Broadcast Academy.
1 comment
Papi Jyde is my father on a different level, a his children know it. Most people at the training school assumed I’m one of his sons because he and I were very close, always seen together I would even go home with him and record songs with his children, my brothers. He is family and he is an Extra-Human I’d always honour him as a father figure. Very knowledgeable and inspiring, fun to be with and insightful. Yes very spiritually sound both in esoteric and mystery knowledge. An active actor, director, playwright and a fantastic lecturer cum mentor. Papi Jyde is everything said above and more. Although I didn’t hear of his passing until years after, I’m grateful for the video I watched, seeing the crowd that came out from among those he’s impacted. He was a real human being, matchless in kindness. Very jovial!!!
Papi Jyde, you’d always have my honour and I pray to someday tell more people about the great spirit of familyhood we share. Thank you and be rest assured, you are loved beyond death can hold!!!
Ẹiyẹ àwòko tí f’ọhùn ire.
Àṣẹ