The late Sakara music legend, Yusuph Olatunji played at the naming ceremony of late Oloye Lekan Alabi 75 years ago, and on Sunday August 9, 2026, the grandson musician, Abideen Yusuf-Olatunji in similar vein played at burial reception of the icon journalist.
Penpushing reports that the ceremony held at International Conference Centre University of Ibadan started with 8th day fidau prayer, while the train of events later moved to Prof Oritsejolomi Thomas Hall within the Conference Center for the reception, while the younger Yusuf Olatunji took the center stage to display his music skills to guests
The ceremony which became talk of the town attracted dignitaries within and outside the country, while guests were lavishly treated to sumptuous meal and drinks, as music of Yusuf Olatunji ignited the venue and guests could not hold back their dancing skills when he exhibited authority on the guitar known as Goje violin used by his late grandfather
Penpushing further reports that the younger Yusuf Olatunji reeled out favorite music of Alabi while alive and equally engaged in profuse praise songs for the deceased as family stormed the dancing floor with their guests to dance to the melodious music to appreciate the musician
The favorite music of the deceased was Sakara music of the late Apala icon, and similarly transferred same love to grandson who now takes over from his late grandfather, popularly called Baba Legba who popularized the Sakara music style.
Penpushing also reports that the late Olatunji started his recording career in 1937 and had over 50 records including the hit Bolowo Bate, while he sang for social clubs in southwestern Nigeria and was big from the 1950s to 1970s.
The Sakara is a traditional Yoruba music genre from southwestern Nigeria, with mostly praise songs, performed with traditional Yoruba instruments, and the key instruments: the small round Sakara drum (beaten with a stick, similar to a tambourine) and the solemn-sounding goje violin, while lyrics are usually philosophical with proverbs.
Meanwhile, among professional body in attendance include Ogun and Oyo State Chapters of League of Veterans, as well as members of Penpushing platform which the late Oloye Lekan Alabi was a prominent member, as well as a number of social clubs and organisations
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