Osayomore, whose demise was announced on Saturday by the Edo State Chapter of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), dies five months to his 70th birthday. (Read More Here).
According to a statement by Comrade Willy Eghe-Nova, PMAN Administrator/Governor, Edo State Chapter, “PMAN has this Saturday afternoon, June 11, 2022, lost a great member and music legend, Ambassador Osayomore Joseph. May his creative soul rest in peace.” Osayomore Joseph was born on October 29, 1952, in Ugha village near Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
He had a reputation as a freedom fighter, an activist musician with a long history of criticizing local and national political corruption through his music”
Osayomore’s music chartbusters ‘Efewedo’, ‘Baba Na Wa,’ ‘Leave us alone,’ ‘Evil days postponed’ are all in pidgin English. In his early life and educational pursuit, Osayomore Joseph moved to Lagos when he was 19 years old and began his musical career as a member of the Nigerian Army Officers Mess band. it was in the band he developed his flute and guitar skills.
Inspired by Sir Victor Uwaifo, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and King Sunny Ade, Osayomore Joseph branched out and began releasing his own music in 1976. After releasing several albums from 1976 to 1979 he returned to Benin to continue his career which was picking up support amongst Edo people in Benin. He used his musical training to combine contemporary popular music — funk, Afrobeat, and highlife with Edo’s indigenous songs and rhythms.
Obaseki mourns passing of music maestro, Osayomore Joseph
I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of music maestro, Ambassador Osayomore Joseph, who took the music world by storm with his talent and exported the Benin culture to the world.
Osayomore Joseph was an enigmatic and versatile musician, who spread didactic messages with his soulful and sonorous voice.
His contribution to the creative industry in Edo State is as remarkable as it is transformational. He was a crucial voice in the quest to make society better and more livable with his music which focused on serious issues.
His long music career, which started in the 1970s, was very productive and enriched the lives of many. The boldness and candour enmeshed in his rhythmic melodies earned him local and international acclaim.
I commiserate with the Osayomore family, fans and friends of the illustrious musician and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
His Excellency,
Godwin Obaseki
Governor, Edo State
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