Historic Send-Forth For Professor Y.K Ajao As Iseyin Honours Its Musical Pride
By Bimbo Esho
Iseyin a town in Oyo State played host to different prominent sons and daughters over the weekend as one of their most respected illustrious sons and musical icons was laid to rest.
Professor YK Ajao born 72 years ago at Iseyin and whose real names are Yekeen Kolawole Ademola Ajao started his musical romance with older musicians at the age of 9.
Later in 1971 he had his musical tutelage under Captain R Ade who taught him how to play the guitar. Later on he trained under one Captain Olu.
It was a common practice with musicians of that generation to at least learn how to play one musical instrument and also train under a leading musician for better musical performance and dexterity .
Music for YK Ajao didn’t come as a bed of roses as his parents objected to his musical ambition . During several interviews YK Ajao has described how his father particularly was against his musical career. For YK Ajao having made remarkable success in Juju Music he always advise parents not to go against whatever choice of career their children decide to pursue .
YK Ajao started his own band in the year 1973 and named it YK Ajao and his Professional Brothers Band. His first album was released in 1973 and titled “ Soro Mi Dayo Oluwa. YK’s musical sojourn can be likened to the story of Abraham Lincoln. A story of what persistency and endurance can eventually give birth to .
According to YK Ajao he released over twenty four albums before he had his first major musical breakthrough in 1991 with the Evergreen song Juju Makosa Series.
His Juju Makosa Style took the airwaves by storm and became a signature tune in many homes in Nigeria and abroad. Many likened his style of music and voice to that of Chief Commander Ebenezer obey. YK’s musical style was fast tempo and entertaining.
YK Ajao’s burial no doubt was historical as many popular musicians were at Iseyin to pay their Last respect. Musicians like Sir Shina Peters made a heartwarming tributes to him and also visited the family others were Adewale Ayuba, Sefiu Alao, Kunle Opio, Musiliu Ishola, Alhaja Awele, etc.
Iseyin also played host to other prominent Iseyin sons and daughters like CEO Honeyland School( Pastor James Alayande, Dr Sulaiman Abiola ( Yoybittters), Sir Shina Peller, Nike Pelller, Rasak Olayiwola ( Ojopagogo), Afeez Oyetoro, etc.
We pray for the family of YK Ajao that the soul of their dearly beloved will rest in peace and his son’s shoe Lateef Owolabi Ajao Aka Macosa Prince will fits well into his father’s own.
