Sonny Okosun

Sonny Okosun (January 1, 1947 in Enugu, Nigeria[1] – May 24, 2008 in Washington DC) was a musician from Nigeria from the old Bendel State, now EDO in South-South of Nigeria. He was an Ijaw man. He named his band [Ozziddi] after a renown Ijaw river god. His surname is sometimes spelled Okosuns and first name Sunny. He was one of the leading Nigerian musicians from the late 1970s to mid 1980s.[2]

His first band, The Postmen, was formed in Enugu in 1965.[1] In 1969 he joined Melody Maestros, a band led by Victor Uwaifo.[3] From 1972 to 1974 he led a group known as Paperback Limited and then formed a new band, Ozziddi.[3][4] From then on, he released several albums either with Ozziddi, or solo recordings.[4]

His 1977 song, "Fire in Soweto", became a major international hit.[4] He was featured in the anti-apartheid album Sun City, and his song "Highlife" was in the soundtrack of 1986 film Something Wild.[2] His mainstream success started to fade in the late 1980s, but he continued his career as a gospel musician under the name Evangelist Sonny Okosun.[4]

He died aged 61 of colon cancer on 24 May 2008 at Howard University Hospital, Washington DC.[5] His musical styles ranged included reggae, highlife, Afro-funk and gospel among others.[4] He made music in the Esan language, Igbo language, Yoruba language Hausa language and English.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Oti, Sonny (2009). Highlife Music in West Africa. African Books Collective. p. 28. ISBN 978-8422-08-X.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Independent, 24 June 2008: Sonny Okosun obituary
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 MSN Music
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Discography of Sonny Okosun
  5. ↑ World Music Central, 28 May 2008
  6. ↑ Leadership, 26 May 2008: Music Icon, Sonny Okosun, Dies At 61