Ayinke Kujore is a daughter to juju music icon, Dayo Kujore, and an on-air personality. She shares with TOBI AWORINDE her perspective on her father’s fame and exploits
How did your father earn the sobriquet, Wonder Boy?
The name ‘Wonder Boy,’ which is today a household name in reference to my father, Idowu Adedayo Kujore, was given right at birth. His birth into the family of Elder and Mrs Kujore in Igbore compound, Egba, Abeokuta, Ogun State in 1958 is associated with lots of mysteries.
What sort of mysteries?
There were strange things associated with his birth, like singing and dancing in the early days of his life; the comportment with which he carried himself, despite being a baby, made the community people refer to him as ‘Wonder Boy.’ My father, even after being well breastfed by his mother, would still be crying until the woman stood up to sing and dance with what was then called woroworo (kids’ instrument). At times, my father would jettison breastfeeding or ogi (pap) for the woroworo. Aside from these unusual displays on the part of my father, his birth brought lots of uncommon favours and happenings into the family.
Also, he was about 10 years old when he started playing the guitar. He displayed great musical dexterity and people were always amazed, particularly because of his age, so they called him ‘Wonder Boy.’ He became a guitarist in his church, where the ‘magic hand’ with which he played the musical instrument equally endeared him to all. All these brought fame and wealth into the family as his actions astonished many people from all walks of life.
He is widely known to have attended the African Church Primary School for just six years and proceeded to African Church Secondary School for his post-elementary education. Both schools were in Igbore, Robiyan, Abeokuta, Ogun State. From there, he went to Sabo Technical School, Ojuelegba, Lagos State, where he trained as an engineer. My father’s dad, Ikujowore, whose name means ‘death has surrendered him for living,’ and his mother, both of blessed memory, were devout Christians. His father hailed from Igbore, while his mother, who later became Iya Ijo of African Church, Igbore, hailed from Owu, Abeokuta, a community in Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State. His father was a man of good character and Dad, as the last child, enjoyed many things, though he didn’t get to know his father much because he lost him when he was little.
Many believe your father had disagreements with Sir Shina Peters, based on some innuendos in his songs. How close are the two of them, considering the fact that they are both prominent sons of Ogun State?
To my understanding, Dayo Kujore and Sir Shina Peters are like conjoined twins. I grew up seeing the duo doing all manner of things together. Two of them are my fathers because, in Yoruba culture, your dad’s friend is equally referred to as a father too. What the public sees as disagreements is nothing but mere speculation. When my dad released an album and he sang a particular song, for example, Osupa tide Osupa tii de, Osupa tidode oo, Oba Irawo, the general public, most especially the press, twisted it into a rebellion song aimed at discrediting Sir Shina Peters because SSP referred to himself as ‘Irawo osan toba agba leru (The sunny star that intimidates elders).’ So, with these songs, SSP fans would twist it to say Dayo Kujore’s songs were to attack Shina Peters, while Kujore’s own fans too would do the same thing. Therefore, to the best of my knowledge, there was no rancour whatsoever between them. It was the general public that was fanning embers of discord between the two jolly friends.
Your father created the Soko music brand of juju. What are its contents to the layman?
The creation of Soko music, according to my father, was because he wanted to be an outstanding musician. He wanted something so unique, aside from the regular kind of songs. And back then, there wasn’t omele, bata, sakara, etc. So, he studied and added sakara, omele and bata with serious danceable percussions that would hit the people in society, both young and old. This he did, such that Super Jet became a hit track.
Super Jet launched your father into the limelight. How did he feel when the song received widespread acceptance?
You are correct. The record, Super Jet, was from the stables of EMI, an international record company, which later metamorphosed into Ivory Music Company at Allen in Ikeja, Lagos State. He had finished the recording and all things needed to be put in place by him. It was left for the record company to release it. Then, artistes didn’t have foreknowledge of when their works would be released onto music stands. My father, according to him, was somewhere in Agege Oniwaya and was trekking to Pen Cinema in Agege. On getting to Capitol Road, he noticed the record had been released and it was being played at every junction with large crowds of people glued to the speakers, listening to his danceable lyrics. And a picture of the artist was usually displayed (on the album). So upon seeing him, trekking, the people who were at the junction, listening to the new release, sighted him and one of them beckoned on him, saying, ‘Wonder Dayo Kujore niyen (That is him).’ They chased him in large numbers, not to attack him but to catch a glimpse of him. That same day, it was policemen stationed in Elere that gave him a ride to where he was going in order to avoid the rampaging but lovely fans. Though I was still very young then, I can still recall bit by bit all that happened. We, the children, became popular in school and elsewhere. Teachers, pupils and friends looked at us as super beings. They accorded to us full respect and royal treatment.
Your father has not been regular on the juju scene for some time. What is responsible for this?
No, he is very regular. In fact, if not for this pandemic ravaging the entire world, he would have played in Arlington, Dallas (Texas) in the United States, last July, being summertime, on the invitation of Mr and Mrs Kayode Olasekun, under TOYKAY Global Music Promotion. Even here in Nigeria, he is on the bandstand every week. His fans are still very much on the ground and their appetite for Soko music has not waned. He released an album recently titled ESAN and, because the album is still selling fast, he doesn’t want to rush into the studio for other hit tracks just yet.
Your father’s birthday falls on the fourth day of the fourth month. How does he celebrate the day?
Since I was born and now that I have grown up to know what is right from what is not, my dad uses his birthday period to donate palliatives to vulnerable people in the community and also pay visits to the orphanages. People identify him with this trait. He is humane, compassionate and highly cerebral.
I remember my secondary school days, when all of us (his children) attended ‘one-in-town’ private schools and you know what it takes for a parent to put their kids in the best private schools. On one occasion, my father had given me my school fees a day before (the payment date) with the belief that he would set out early enough the next day. Unfortunately, a woman came, weeping and rolling on the ground, saying her husband was sick and had been admitted to the hospital. She said, without money, they had refused to attend to him and he was at the point of death. I just heard a knock on my door, followed by my father who asked me to bring the school fees he had given me the previous night. He collected the money and handed it to the poor woman in order to save a soul.
Does he agree with the assertion that juju music has been overshadowed by fuji music?
No, he has never agreed with the assertion that juju music has been overshadowed by fuji music. Wonder Dayo Kujore will tell you it is juju music that is played at most high-profile parties in the country. Juju music is still very much alive and active, and not a single style of African music can supress it because most of the songs that are released today are inspired by juju but it has been modernised and blended with ‘new school’ sounds. Small Doctor sampled his song Soko Extra on Lojojokan. Alhaji Pasuma did the same with Atanbakubakuala Osika. Juju music cannot fade away. Also, you know, in society, there is room for choice. Some will like fuji, while some will go for juju music. Some see fuji as though it is meant for Muslims, while some also see juju as being for Christians.
Your father describes juju music as gospel music. Do you agree with him?
Sure, I totally agree with Dad that juju is gospel music. He said in those days, there was no difference between gospel and juju music. If you listen to the music of juju musicians such as Ebenezer Obey and Sunny Ade, you will notice that they often extolled God in their songs and told moral stories. Juju is gospel music. Today, there is nothing like gospel music anymore. It is juju music everywhere.
Who are those you would describe as his role models in the music industry?
As a young musician, he had people that he admired but he never went to anybody to be mentored. He always loved to listen to Ebenezer Obey’s and King Sunny Ade’s songs and also attended their performances. Perhaps (Dad had a role model in) the late Prince Adekunle because it was my dad that played the lead guitar on the album titled Aditu Ede Adekunle Gbede, Eda Nreti Eleya, Nibo lefi Toluwasi, You Tell Me That You Love Me Baby and many more. My dad had fruitful days with Prince Adekunle. He (Dad) told me he learnt how to maintain a band and how to properly arrange music from him (Adekunle).
Did your father ever share with you what stood out for him during his first overseas trip to the United Kingdom?
Yes, he did. The overseas music tour, organised by late Prince Benedict Kiladejo, a music promoter based in London, was a huge success. While he was in London, my dad told me that there was so much noise when he arrived. He said they referred to him as the big fish. Because of this, he said he benched his colleagues as some of them were unable to have events for about nine months. He said some of the musicians even confronted him with words like ‘Wonder, you’ve stopped us from making money.’
Another experience he shared was not too funny but may also be amusing to others. He said, a few hours after their British Airways flight took off from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, a very violent turbulent occurred, occasioned by bad weather, and the pilot announced that everybody should fasten their seatbelts. He told me he became so scared. He prayed and became so restless and worried about if the trip would bring an end to his life. I laughed uncontrollably when he was telling me the story. By and large, my father has a phobia for flying, unless he has no option.
Is any of his children following in his footsteps?
Quite a number of us are into show business. I have brothers that sing and a sister who is in the movie industry, while I am an on-air personality. I compere and plan big events. In fact, you can try me one day and you’ll see the stuff I am made of.
How often does he take his family to his hometown, Robinyan in Ogun State?
He takes us there (frequently). Don’t forget I told you his mother was the Iya Ijo of African Church in Igbore Robiyan and, till today, every Robiyan Day, my dad plays. And he ensures all other musicians accompany him too. So, we go to our hometown with him at the end of every year. Personally, I had good times with grandma (Dad’s mum). May her soul rest in peace. She was fun to be with. Mama would tell you stories of (late Chief Ladoke) Akintola, (late Chief Obafemi) Awolowo, and others. She would say hard work brought them to where they had been. I remember Mama would tell me, ‘Oluwatosin, Ayinke, koju si iwe re o. Matele okunrin o. Maje ki okunrin f’owo kan e lara o. Enitoba kawe dara dara lonri oko gidi fe. (Face your studies. Don’t follow men. Don’t allow them to touch you.)’
Have you ever watched your father perform?
I have lost count. I started following him to shows right from childhood because I once had interest in music but not anymore.
What kind of musician would you describe your father as?
I would describe his songs as very inspiring and a soul-lifter. His music is purely philosophical. He sings as if he has seen the future. His songs are inspiring.
Which of his songs would you describe as your favourite and why?
I love all but I like his album titled Compliments. The record cuts across both Muslim festivals and Christmas. I love it most because my dad dedicated Side A to his mother’s installation as Iya Ijo of African Church, Igbore, Robiyan.
Have you ever had any reservations or disputes about any one of his songs?
No.
What is your father’s creative process for composing music?
My father’s creative process for composing music is happiness. Most times, he locks himself in the room to write the lyrics and music. He loves to sing about contemporary issues that people can relate to. At times, he gets his music from dreams.
How supportive was your father when you decided to go into the media industry as a presenter?
Of course, at first, he objected and I couldn’t blame him. Every parent wants their child to either be a lawyer, doctor, pilot, or banker. But the truth is, if all of us become lawyers or doctors, who will make us happy when we are bored? Doctors and lawyers need us to be happy. We are the ones putting sugar and honey into their lives. After a while, when I became well-known as the toast of the town, my father encouraged me, prayed for me and even wished that I would have my TV and radio stations very soon. I give kudos to my dad.
Did your father have any say in what course you studied for your tertiary education?
Sure. Every parent does, but I thank God I have impressed him with what I ended up being after leaving school.
Can you talk about some big talents that frequented your family home and what that was like?
There were many of them. In fact, I can’t mention them because they are many and I wouldn’t like to mention some and skip some. What I will say is I have seen many big personalities, movers and shakers of this nation. Some came to engage my dad, while some just came to catch a glimpse of him.
What are some of your father’s favourite meals?
My dad will tell you ‘eba ni iya mi fi komi,’ meaning his late mum trained him with eba. So, he has a soft spot for eba with a tasty soup and assorted meat. He also eats any good food but he doesn’t joke with eba. We thank God for his sound and good health.
Do you have any fond memories of travelling with your father?
Yes, I travelled with him within the country on a show and the experience was mind-boggling. Following him on a trip allowed me to appreciate my dad more. People would be longing to see him and I would be like, ‘Is this not the same person I see every time at home that people pay money to see?’
Has your father ever expressed a liking for any contemporary artist?
Yes, so many of them! Also, as for those I think he would like to make music with, there’s none of them he can’t work with if they approach him.
What are his favourite old school and contemporary songs?
His favourite music is by Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, YK Ajao, Segun Adewale, General Prince Adekunle, and many more.
Is he a strict parent?
He is strict, but not extremely strict. He hated lies when we were growing up. He detested laziness and sluggishness. He is naturally enamoured. He is the best daddy in the world. He is very resourceful with sound integrity.
How did he reward good behaviour or discipline his children?
If you were well behaved or had good grades, a good gift awaited you from him. He is good at that. That is the reason why you see all of us trying to impress him, so that we can win gifts. On the discipline side, right from the time I was crawling and struggling to walk, I understood his body language. He didn’t need to speak before I understood his instructions. If he blinked, I knew what he meant. Bond of communication is important. His father didn’t use a cane on him as a child, so he didn’t really beat (his children) like that. I’m not saying he couldn’t beat us. Back then, he used to beat (us) but only if we had really done something extremely bad. You know our parents, especially Yoruba parents, dey no dey carry last to beat pikin. Surely, the cane will definitely help reset your brain.
How do you feel when you listen to musicians of your father’s generation abusing each other in their songs?
That’s not too good. Personally, I don’t subscribe to that because what the public will term insults or disparaging to each other may not actually be. It may just be marketing gimmicks. But in case there is any, I advise the new generation to desist from such barbaric ideas. Together, we can move mountains.
Has your father ever shown any interest in any political movement or expressed any interest in pursuing a political career?
The answer is no and yes. No, in the sense that he hates partisan politics but he can use his music to promote good governance in society and to disparage non-performing politicians.
What are your father’s hobbies?
He likes praying, playing musical instruments, swimming, playing table tennis, singing and writing songs, and watching movies.
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