The Nigerian music industry is grieving the loss of Chief Samuel Babafemi Esho, “Baba Esho.” A distinguished music promoter and cultural icon, who passed away at 77 after a brief illness.
Who is Baba Esho?
Born on October 29, 1946, Femi Esho was the renowned Chairman of Evergreen Musical Company. Importantly, he was key figure in preserving and promoting Nigerian music. He possessed a dogged dedication to the industry, ensuring Nigeria’s rich musical tradition and heritage and was both preserved and celebrated.
His daughter, Bimbo Esho, who serves as the Managing Director of Evergreen Musical Company, confirmed his passing in a press release on Tuesday. She expressed her sorrow, referring to her father as a “patriarch” whose legacy in the music industry will be eternally cherished.
She wrote, “Baba Esho departed to greater glory on Monday 17th June 2024 after a brief illness at the age of 77 years. Baba Esho until his demise was the Chairman of the Evergreen Musical Company. As well as the Founder of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation. Baba Esho was a mentor and “encyclopedia” to many ‘Highlife music aficionados.
“He will be remembered as one who gave so much of himself to see to the “immortality” of the musical works of Nigerian Highlife, Juju, Sakara, Apala, Afrobeat and a crop of other Nigerian/African genres of Indigenous music.”
The family has announced that funeral arrangements will be disclosed in due course. In the meantime, they request privacy as they mourn the loss of a father. A true icon of Nigerian music.
During his lifetime, Baba Esho was a well-known radio and television presenter. Among the shows he anchored was Highlife Renaissance for three years. It was done on Raypower, Nigeria’s first private radio station. During that time, Baba Esho passionately promoted highlife music.
Additionally, he formed a band that performed evergreen Nigerian music at high-profile events and venues in Lagos. Some of these include the Ikoyi Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, and the Island Club among many others.
