30 years after, Haruna Ishola resurrects

AFTER 30 years of his demise, children, relatives, friends and loyalists of late Apala music maestro, Alhaji Haruna Ishola held an epoch making anniversary celebration in honour of their hero in appreciation of his socio-economic contribution to the development of not only the Yoruba race but Nigeria as a whole.

Held at the late music maestro’s ancient town of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, the event witnessed series of activities that formed the agenda for the celebration. The ceremony was kick-started with a ‘fidau’ prayer for the deceased as well as his children and relatives. The chief imam of Ijebu land presided over the prayer session.

Tributes, eulogies and exultation also poured in torrents for late Haruna Ishola from children, relatives and most especially, his ‘eternal fans and loyalists’ who all stormed the event in large numbers to honour their music icon.

Speaking on behalf of the children, the scion of the Haruna Ishola family, Alhaji Gani Haruna Ishola expressed his gratitude to his siblings as well as relatives and friends who all contributed to the success of the event. “I am and will be eternally grateful to my brothers and sisters as well as other people who have all supported us with their prayers and physical presence at today’s ceremony. This to me is a confirmation of their love and affection not only to late Haruna Ishola as a person but also to the children and the Haruna Ishola family as a whole.

According to Chief Rasheed Thanni, who describes himself as an ‘Apostle’ of late Haruna Ishola, “we are here today to honour and celebrate the life of one of Nigeria’s musical legend, a man who spread the gospel of peace, love, tolerance and social education through the philosophy of his music; Apala music. We are indeed privilege to be part of this celebration and I also want to reiterate that we should all imbibe the message of his music and not only the pleasure”.

The event which attracted political heavyweights, top Nigerian celebrities and musical icons was also attended by who-is-who of Ijebu-Igbo town as prominent sons and daughters of the town all came out to honour one of their illustrious sons that carved a niche not only for himself but also for his home town; Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

Born in 1919, late Haruna Ishola, with dint of hardwork and determination to succeed rose steadily and through the ranks to become one of Nigeria’s as well as Africa’s most illustrious musician. With over 100 albums to his credit and countless musical hits, late Haruna Ishola is still regarded today as one of the best musical exports of Africa. Until his death in 1983, the man reputed for his infectious trademark smile built a business empire worthy of note. A recording studio, manufacturing and label outfit, the late Apala music legend also contributed to the socio-economic development of Nigeria through his series of philantrophic gestures and investments in music, education, religion and other social activities.

Presently, and after over 40 years of their release, his evergreen songs such as ‘Oroki Social Club’, ‘Ina Ran’, ‘Soyoyo’ amongst others are still the toast of radio stations, social gatherings and private listenership. Interestingly, Hip-Hop and R & B music acts have also ‘feasted’ on them through a substantial remix of his hit songs.

The post 30 years after, Haruna Ishola resurrects appeared first on The Nation.

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