A symposium and concerts have been announced to mark the 85th birthday of Baba Ani (Tajudeen Olalekan Animashaun), veteran musician and Band Leader of Fela Anikulapo‘s Egypt 80 Band.
The symposium themed ‘Celebrating Baba Ani: Exemplary Musician, Committed Culture Advocate, Model of Loyalty’ will happen on August 18 at the Lagos Theatre, Igando, by 10 am.
A reception will follow at the same venue by 2 pm. Both activities are courtesy of the Lagos Theatre, Igando.
There will be an evening of music with the veteran musician on August 15 by 5 pm at Freedom Park, Lagos Island, courtesy of the Park and Culture Advocates Caucus.
Kola Ogunkoya‘s newly opened Gbedu Music Village at Ayobo, Ipaja, will host the master saxophonist at an event tagged ‘Toast to Baba Ani- Master of Integrity & Loyalty’ on August 22 by 5 pm.
Born in August 1936, Baba Ani started music at an early age and joined the late Pa Chris Ajilo in 1959. He learnt music theory and practice from the Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State-born artist.
He joined Fela’s Band in 1965 and became the leader in 1979 after they returned from the Berlin Jazz Festival. He served Fela for 32 years and Seun, his son, for 19 years before retiring from the Egypt 80 Band in December 2016. He has an album, ‘Low profile not for the blind’ released in 1995, to his credit.