Yusuf Olatunji
Yusuf Olatunji, also known as Baba Legba or Baba L’Egbaa (1909-1978),[1] was a Nigerian Sakara drum player, who popularized the sakara music style.[2] He was purportedly born in 1909 in a village called Gbegbinlawo in Ogun State in south-western Nigeria, although there are still doubts about the location of his birth. His mid-life conversion to Islam boosted his career in Yoruba music. He was born a Christian and he hailed from Iseyin in Oyo State. He was formerly known as Joseph Olatunji.
He died in December 15 1978. He is survived by 4 children and 14 wives.
References
- ↑ Abiodun Salawu, "Reeling Nostalgia: ‘Aremote’ and the Enduring Sakara Music in Nigeria", Journal of Global Mass Communication, Vol. II, Nos. 1/2 (Winter/Spring 2009), p. 114.
- ↑ Michael E. Veal (2000). Fela: The Life & Times of an African Musical Icon. Temple University Press. p. 28. ISBN 1-56639-765-0.
Discography:
Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Yekinni Tiamiyu b/w Amusa Adeoye (78; HMV [UK] J.Z. 5252)
1969 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 1 (Philips PL 13411)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 007 [as Vol. 1 Bolowo Bate]) [A] Surakaty Eki / Jioh Gbensola / Raufu Adegbite / Egbe Ifenirepo [B] Bolowo Bate / Ganiyu Ladeyinde / Yekini Akintoye / Egbe Iwajowa Ijebu-Ode
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Plays Sakara Volume 2 (Philips West African PL 13413)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 002 [as Vol. 2 O Wole Ologo Keri])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] Z.O.N13413 [as Vol. 2 O'wole Olongo]) [A] Ajala Jinadu / Alhaji Mustafa Dabiri / Late Ramoni Alao / Yekinni Aridegbe / Egbe Irepolodun (Ibadan) [B] Salawu Adejola / Mutairu Lemboye / Alhaji Badiru Sodunke / Badiru Amole Ajisegiri / Egbe Oredegbe (Egba)
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Plays Sakara Volume 3 (Philips West African PL 13414)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 008 [as Vol. 3 Amode Maja])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] Z.O.N13414 [as Vol. 3 Atori Kio Ma Se Weleje]) [A] Tijani Akinyele / Alimi Okerayi / Yusufu Olatunji / Sule Apena / Alhaja Raliatu Adeyemi [B] Busari Salami (Baba-Jebba) / Abudu Amodemaja / Rafiu Amoo (Nijaiye) / Alafia Boys (Eko) / Muniratu Laro
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action No. 1 (Philips / Phonogram 6361054)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 016 [as Majejo Mi O Bun Mi])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Mejejo Nio Bunmi Oba Oluwa]) [A] Sunmora Folarin / Yekinni Ajala / Tijani Aiyelokun / Orokeloni / Surakatu Amodu / Joseph Balogun [B] A. K. Yusufu / Salu Ojelade / Lasisi Abiola / Raufu Adisa / Ayisatu Agbeke / Egbe Ajisafe
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action No. 2 (Philips PL 13413) [A] Alaja Jinadu / Alhaji Mustafa Dabiri / Late Ramoni Alao / Yekini Aridegbe / Egbe Irepolodun (Ibadan) [B] Salawu Adejola / Mutairu Lemboye / Alhaji Badiru Sodunke / Badiru Amole Ajisegiri / Egbe Oredegbe (Egba)
Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 3 (Philips PL 13414) [A] Tijani Akinyele / Alimi Okerayi / Yusufu Olatunji / Sule Apena / Alhaja Raliatu Adeyemi [B] Busari Salami (Baba Jebba) / Abudu Amodemaja / Rafiu Amoo (Nijaiye) / Alafia Boys (Eko) / Muniratu Laro
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 4 (10" LP, Philips PL 13422)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 003 [as Vol.4 Asa Mba Eiyele Sere]) [A] Kuye Dada / Alhaji Rasaki Sanusi / Busura Babaosa / Alhaji Ramoni Salami / Lamidi Durowoju [B] Asa Mba Eiyele Sere / Shewu / Alhaji Raufu Adeola / Liadi Shomuyiwa / Egbe Ifelodun Adeoyo (Ibadan)
? Yusuf Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 5 Beriwa Ekiwa (LP; unknown)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1302 [as Vol.5 Ilu T'ao Moba])(CD; Olatunji [Lagos] no number) Alhaji Raufu Salawu / Alhaji Ayinde Adenekan / Beriwa Ekiwa / Boti Sefun Mi / Late Shittu Olasimbo / Late J.F. Olasimbo / Abimbola Gbolade / Alhaji Adeleke Dada / Idayatu Sowami / Egbe Oredegbe (Agege)
1970 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 6 (Philips PL 6386007)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 009 [as Vol. 6 Oye Kani Fura]) [A] Nofiu Lashoju / Datemi Lare / O Ye Kani Fura / Egbe Fourteen Members / Egbe Ifelodun Kenta [B] Itoko Area / Chief Waidi Awoleshu / Adegoke Ajao / Egba Boys Society / R. Ayandeyi Akangbe
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Kasumu Sanni b/w Raimi Asuni (45; Badejo's Sound Studios BBAF 1022)
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 7 (Zareco ORSL 1301)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1301 [as Vol.7 E Ma F'ojowu Meji Dele])(CD; Olatunji [Lagos] no number [as Vol.7 Late Alimi Orerayi]) [A] Memudu Amoo Abolade / Alhaji Olanrewaju Oseni / Oremeji (Ijebu-Ode) / Late Alimi Orerayi / R. P. Salami [B] Lasisi Adelanwa / Falila Abeke / Nbamodi Ese (Lasisi Omolayemi) / Egbe Social (Eko) / Egbe Oba Idimu
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 8 Toba Oluwa Ni Yio Se (Zareco ORSL ??)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 024) Alhaji M. Tolani / Sufianu Ishola Aregbe / Egbe Irawo Egba (Eko) / Moshudi Bello / Tijani Alalubarika / Ganiyu Ajimobi (Alhaji) / Kubura Abike Adebisi (Cash Woman) / Alhaji Bello Agunbiade / Alhaji Y. Ashiyenbi / Egbe Ifenirepo (Odi-Olowo)
1971 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 9 (10" LP, Badejo's Sound Studio BBA 3004R; Zareco ORSR1303) [A] T. Ayinde Shonibare / Shittu Olafuyi / Busari Akiyo / Buraimoh Ogunmefun / Soredegbe(Iffo) [B] Lamide Adedibu / Buraimoh Oyedele / Comfort Seriki / Alhaji Raufu Akiode / Egbe Oredegbe (Saro)
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 10 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6386022)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 021[as Vol.10 Otegbola])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.10 Ka Tun 'Ra Mu]) [A] Mudasiru Otegbola / Titilayo Ejire / Raimi Balogun / Sikiru Balogun / Alafia Boys [B] Wahabi Shekoni / Nurudeen Adedeji / Abudu Okedara / Late Ramoni Sanni / Egbe Ifelodun Ikereku
? Yusuf Olatunji (Baba Legba) & His Sakara Group Vol. 12 Iranse Lowo Je (LP; unknown)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number) Raimi Ayinla Mogaji / Lamina Alabede / James Soyoye / Alaru Durowoju / Alaru Durowoju / Egbe Osupa (Egba) / Amidu Ojedara / Alhaji Lamidi Shoge / Ilupeju Adatan / Alhaji Raji Akanji / Oredegbe Mushin
? Yusuf Olatunji (Baba Legba) & His Sakara Group Vol. 13 Asiko Wa Ni (LP; unknown)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number) Alimi Sanusi / Chief Olorun Tele / Alhaji Sufianu Akande / Egbe Yusuf Olatunji / Bakare Shonde / Alade Okewole / Wosilatu Ologundudu / Alhaji Mustafa Bakare / Tijani Lemomu / Egbe Fowosere ? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 14 (Zareco ORSL 1701)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.14 Late Badejo Okusanya]) [A] Late Badejo Okusanya / Lasisi Karaole [B] Oba Alake of Egba Land / Yusufu Olatunji / Amuda Obelawo / Egbe Onifaji Eko
1973 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 15 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361031)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 018[as Vol.15 Onitire])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.15 Oni 'Tire]) [A] Jimoh Olojo (Itire) / Sunmonu Akanbi Olori / Karimu Olota / Nuru Alowonle / Egbe Ifelajulo (Ijemo) [B] Wahabi Ayinla Adetoun / Aminu Alamu Bello / Jimoh Ishola Amodu / Alhaji Ganiyu Elekuro / Egbe Obaniba Siri
1973 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 16 (Zareco ORSL 1703)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.16 Ojise Nla]) [A] Late Lasisi omo Layemi / Muraina Clundegun / Orin Faji / Jarinatu Seriki / Egbe Ifelodun (Ilupeju) [B] Oloye Egba / Alhaji Amuda Balogun / Alhaji Ganiyu Latunde / J. K. O. T. / Egbe Ajigbotoluwa (Ibadan)
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 17 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361050)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 010 [as Vol.17 Yegede]) [A] Orin Yusufu Olatunji / Kuburatu Adebisi Edioseri / Egba Ilupeju (Kemta) [B] Sule Esinlokun / Awon Oba Eko / Sherifatu Asake / Basiratu Salawe Akanni / Late Sidi Ereko
1974 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 18 (Zareco ORSL 1706) [A] Alhaji Akanbi Awolesu / S. A. Sunmonu / Late Suara (Abusi Ibadan) / Oti Oyinbo [B] Governor Rotimi / Abudu Sanni Omo-Aje / Salawu Amoo Arikuyeri / Alhaja Sariatu Jaiyeoba / Egbe Olowolagba (Gbagura)
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 19 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361066)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 005 [as Vol.19 Se Eni Kosi, Omo Yin Nyo]) [A] Ayinde S. Kenkenke / Jinadu Esho (Ifo) / Raufu Are Atan Nagbowo / Salaru Adeywmi / Egbe Liberty (Eko) [B] Amusa Adenekan / Rashidi Adogbonjeun / Yusufu And His Group / Eji Gbadero / Egbe Fesojaiye
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 20 (Zareco ORSL 1708)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1708 [as Vol.20 Omo T'i O Gba Eko Ile]) [A] Chief Lasisi Oseni / Alhaji Salisu Majek / Rasaki Keshiro / Ramoni Alabi Olayiwola / Ero Wo O Ero Wo / Egbe Ifelodun [B] A Se'ba K'A To Sere / Eje Ka Sere Han Won / Alhaji Rafiu Ajakaku (Ibadan) / Egbe Irepolodun (Egba)
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group (Sakara) Vol. 21 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361089)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 001 [as Vol.21 Ijimere Sogigun])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] Z.O.N 6361089 [as Vol.21 Ijimere Sogigun]) [A] Lamidi Akinola / Asani Komolafe / Falilatu Shoga / Alhaja Nofisatu Agbeke / Egbe Ifelodun (Egba) [B] Sogigun / Jimoh Oni / Alhaji Raufu Adisa / Egbe Owoseni (Imo)
1975 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 22 (Zareco ORSL 1711)(CD; Olatunji [Lagos] CMP008 [as Vol.22 Iwa]) [A] IWA / Shewu Bakare / Alhaja Musili Ashake / Egbe Ajisafe Oshogbo [B] Lamina Ojugbele / Alhaji Abasi Olisa / Fatai Are-Ago / Ailara Amodemaja / Egbe Ifelodun (Oke-Bode)
? Yusuf Olatunji & His Sakara Group Vol. 23 Olowo Lagba (LP; unknown)(CD; Premier Music PLCD 004)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number) Olowo Lagba / Fasasi Olowobuso / Alhaji Salimonu Lawal / Egbe Osupa Egba / Alhaji Ishatu Korodo / Olufunmilayo Abiodun / Omo Ogun Oloko (Oshodi) / Egbe Olo Member (Ibadan) / Buraimo Dan Boy (Ilorin)
1976 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 24 (Zareco ORSL 1717)(CD; Olatunji [Lagos] no number [as Vol.24 Oba Oluwa Loni Dede]) [A] Olorun Oba L'o Ni Dede / Mo Ranti Baba Kan / Lati Olasimbo / Egbe Iwajowa (Ijebu-Ode) / Alhaji Kasumu Ajibola [B] S. Abeni / Ambali Akanni Salawu / Egbe Oredegbe (Isale Offin)
1976 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 25 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361160)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 019[as Vol.25 Kafi Ara Wa Sokan])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.25 Oku Ano Konira]) [A] Adeleke Ashata / Mukadasi Aregbe / Salamotu Abiosoye Oliyide [B] Alhaji Isiaka Kaka / Rafiu Adigun / Alhaji Bakare Adenle / Egbe Ifelodun Oatunji (Egba)
1977 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 26 (Zareco ORSL 1721)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1721 [as Vol.26 Ogun State]) [A] Ogun State / Late Murtala Muhammed / Alhaji Oloruntele Olukoya / Egbe Irepolodun (Ibadan) [B] Igba Ta Ba Fi Winka / Akanju Wowo / Fasasi Kasumu / Raufu Arogundade / Egbe Oredegbe (Eko)
1977 Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 27 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361256)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 006 [as Vol.27 Orin Tokotaya])(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.27 Oro Loko Laya]) [A] Alhaji Adetunji Adenekan / Alhaja Lati Ladejobi / Sinotu Abeke / Egbe Egba Parapo (Oshodi) [B] Orin Tokotaya / Orin Asiko / Rasaki Adelakun / Egbe Faripo (Egba) / Egbe Irepolodun (Egba)
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group In Action Vol. 28 (Zareco ORSL 1725)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.27 Ef' Omo Fun Alapata]) [A] Alhaji Rasidi Shoyoye / Alhaji Lasisi Akinshola / Ramoni Shanusi / Wosilatu Ologundudu [B] Alhaji Yinusa Akanbi (Otta) / Kilani - Babanla / Alhaja - Wosilatu - Oguntade
1978 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 29 (Philips / Phonogram PL 6361335)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number [as Vol.29 Ilu Osugbo]) [A] Surakatu Akinbola / Alhaji Yekini Ajala / Egbe Owo Otta [B] Lawrence Aina / Aileru Sodimu / Rasy Musitafa / Egbe Obanibashiri Kemta
1978 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 30 (Zareco ORSL 1729) [A] Alhaji Samusi Ayorinde / Alhaji Musitafa Oyeleke / Sufianu Ogunwolu / Raufu Ajani Raji [B] Alhaji Muraina Ajadi / Jimo Ishola Amodu / Nofisatu Iya Iebeji / Egbe Irepudun Ibadan
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Vol. 32 (Zareco ORSL 1731) [A] Iba Abibu - Oluwa / Alhaji Akinpelu / Alhaji Salabiu Ladejobi / Egbe Binukonu Iwo [B] Ibi Agbagbe Fowo - Tisi / Sidikatu - Sogbamu / Alhaji Sule - Shittu / Egbe Alafia Boys Egba
1980 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 33 (Zareco/Fontana FTLP 107)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 024[as Vol.33 Adegbenro]) [A] Late Akhaji Adegbenro / Bakare Ajani Olagunju / Egbe Fesojaiye (Adatani) [B] Kasunmu Isola Sanni / Sabitiyu Adunni / Egbe Anjuwon (Itoko)
1981 Late Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 35 (Zareco ORSL 1737)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1737 [as Vol.35 Oloye Faji]) [A] Alhaji Raufu Kube-Kube / Alhaji Jimo Idowu / Rabiatu Ayoka (Oloye Faji of Lagos) / Mukaila Balogun / Egbe Ifelodun-Fiditi [B] Lasisi Ishola Fajebe / Mutalubi Dami / Alhaji Onilegbale / Egbe Ifelodun Odi - Olowo
? Late Yusufu Olatunji (Baba L'egba) and His Sakara Group Vol. 36 Ore Marun (Zareco ORSL ??)(CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 025) Alhaji Olatinwa Adeyemi / Alhaji Akande Falahan / Alhaji Ishau Lawal / Alhaji Shittu Adeyemi / Alhaji Busari Akano / Oredegbe Ita-Faji (Eko) / Alhaji Badiru Alubarikaloju / Emide Bello / Egbe Ifelodun Fowosere (Egba)
1981-2 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Vol. 37 (Zareco ORSL 1739)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] ORSL 1737 [as Vol.37 Mapada Leyin Mi Oba Oluwa]) [A] Chief Adeniyi Idowu / Jinadu Ogunbayo / Awon Omo Lefude / Egbe Osupa Egba Obinrin [B] Mapada Lehin Mi Oluwa / Alhaji Ashiru Olona / Alhaji R. P. Salami / Egbe Ajisafe (Eko) Mushin
1987 Yusufu Olatunji and His Sakara Group Baba O 5 (Zareco ORSL 1742) [A] Waidi Orelope / Larimu Seriki / Rabiu Shodunke / Shitu Dokunmu [B] K. Dawodu / Jimoh Asuni / Jimo Subulade / Alhaji Lemboye / James Kodaolu / Oredegbe Kaduna
? Yusufu Olatunji (Baba Legba) & His Sakara Group Alara Morire (LP; unknown)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number) Alara Morire / Busari Salami / Rasidi Ayandeyi / Chief Kosebinu (Sagua Of Ilugun) / S.B. Bakare / Raji Asindemade / Alhaji Aremu Kolapo / Surakatu Rosiji / Fasasi Bakare / Abadatu L.L.B
? Yusufu Olatunji (Baba Legba) & His Sakara Group Agbalagba To'nta Roba F'eye (LP; unknown)(CD; Zareco [Lagos] no number) Waidi Orelope / Karimu Seriki / Rabiu Shodunke / Shitu Dokunmu / Egbe Unity / K. Dawodu / Jimoh Asuni / Jimoh Subulade / Alhaji Lemboye / James kodaolu / Oredegbe Kaduna
1993 Yusufu Olatunji Legend Vol. 2 (Premier Music PLMC 002 ) [A] Yusuf Oyokun / Sikiratu Shobayo / Asani Oloriebi / Alhaji Tijani Ariledesi / Egbe Binukonu / Rasaki Sanusi [B] Surakatu Amodu / Egbe Ajisafe / Lamidi Shoge / Oroke Loni Niyen / Jimoh Olori Ebi / Abadatu Amoke / Joseph Balogun
2001 Yusuf Olatunji Baba L'egba and His Sakara Group The Living Songs Of The Legend Series 1 (CD; no label AG 002) Asa Mba Eiyele Sere / Ajagbe Ejo / Orin Toko Taya / Baba In The 60's
2001 Yusuf Olatunji Baba L'egba and His Sakara Group The Living Songs Of The Legend Series 3 (CD; no label AG 003) Orin Yusuf Olatunji / Awon Oba Eko / Alhaji Adetunji Adenekan
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Premier Legend (Premier Music PLMC 004 ) [A] Jimoh Olojo (Itire) / Sunmonu Akanbi Olori / Karimu Olota / Nuru Alowonie / Egbe Ifelajulo (Ijemo) [B] Wabi Ayinla Adeotun / Aminu Alamu Bello / Jimoh Ishola Amodu / Alhaji Ganiyu Elekuro / Egbe Obanibasiri Eko
? Yusufu Olatunji and His Group Premier Legend (Premier Music PLMC 006 ) [A] Tijani Akinyele / Alimi Okerayi / Yusufu Olatunji / Sule Apena / Lahaja Raliatu Adeyemi [B] Busari Salami (Baba Jebba) / Abudu Amodemaja / Rafiu Amoo (Nijaiye) / Alafia Boys (Eko) / Muniratu Laro
? Late Pa Yusufu Olatunji (Baba L'egba) The Evergreen Sakara Hit Collections Series 1 (CD; Premier Music no number) Fasasi Bakare / Egbe Unity/ Adeniran Adegboyega / Mojisola Ologunebi / Rabiu Sodunke / Shittu Dokunmi / Surukatu Fadipe / Oredegbe Kaduna / Yusufu Oyekun / Sikiratu Shobayo / Asani Oloriebi / Alhaji Tijani Ariledesi / Waidi Orelope / Karimu Seriki / Raji Mustafa / Ramoni Ogunyomi / Lasisi Abiola / Jimoh Seriki
? Late Pa Yusufu Olatunji (Baba L'egba) The Evergreen Sakara Hit Collections Series 2 (CD; Premier Music no number) Bolowo Bate / Ganiyu Ladeyinde / Yekini Akintoye / Egbe Iwajowa (Ijebu Ode) / Surukatu Eki / Jimoh Gbensola / Raufu Adegbite / Ajagbe Imenirepo / Nofiu Lashoju / Da Temi Lare / O Ye Kani Fura / Egbe Fourteen Members / Egbe Ifelodun Kenta / Ijoko Area / Chief Waidi Awoleshu / Adegoke Ajao / Egbe Boys Society / R. Ayandeji Akangbe / Alhaja Muniratu Abeo / Samsudeen Bankole / Abraham Idowu
? Late Yusufu Olatunji (Baba L'egba) and His Sakara Group Orin Faaji (CD; Premier Music [Lagos] PLCD 017) Faji Song / Jimoh Seriki / Tesimili Kushimo / Lamidi Shoge / George Bammeke / Egbe Obanibashiri / Rasaki Sanusi / Shitu Arowokoko / Chief Lamidi Ashiwaju / Raufu Adeola / Jimo Ologun Ebi / Abadatu Amoke