Legendary Nigerian Music Icon Femi Esho Dies at 77
The Nigerian music industry is in mourning with the passing of Femi Esho, a towering figure who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the country’s rich musical heritage. Esho, the chairman of Evergreen Musical Company and founder of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation, died on Monday at the age of 77 after a brief illness.
Esho, born on October 29, 1946, was revered as a musical “encyclopedia” and mentor to countless aficionados of genres like highlife, juju, Sakara, apala, and Afrobeat. Through his work at Evergreen, he played a pivotal role in ensuring the timeless compositions of Nigerian musical legends lived on for new generations.
Just last month, Esho had embarked on an ambitious project to establish Africa’s largest music museum and gallery, the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation.
This sprawling cultural institution was envisioned to house a museum, library, artist exhibit hall, and vast collection of vintage photographs, attire, and instruments chronicling over a century of Nigerian music history. Tragically, Esho will not see this labor of love come to fruition, as the foundation is slated to open by the end of this year.
In a statement, Esho’s family remembered him as a “patriarch” and “gentle, cheerful, and giving soul” who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s musical landscape.
Renowned writer and columnist Tunde Fagbenle, a close friend of Esho’s, said “He carved a niche for himself and made a mark on the national canvas with it. God bless him. He was my buddy!”
The music world has lost a true icon and custodian of its heritage. Femi Esho’s name will forever be remembered alongside the timeless melodies and rhythms he dedicated his life to uplifting and preserving. His legacy will continue to inspire music lovers across Nigeria and beyond.
