History of sunny okosun

1947-2008

Musician, minister

Nigerian singer-songwriter Sonny Okosuns was a pioneer of African liberation music, the songs of social protest that gave voice to native political movements on the continent. His work influenced a generation of musicians, both in Africa and around the world. Douglas Martin described Okosuns's style in the New York Times as "a catchy, rock-inflected cocktail of funk, reggae, Afrobeat and more…. The result was a zestful, funky strand in what has come to be called world music." At the time of his death in 2008 Okosuns was working on material for what would have been his fortieth album.

Okosuns's family name was originally "Okosun"—he later added the "s" himself. He was born on the first day of 1947 in Benin City, Nigeria, into a family of Esan ethnicity. The Esan, sometimes referred to as "Ishan" in the West, were one of the larger groups in Edo State, in which Benin City served as the provincial capital. Okosuns childhood was a time of extreme poverty, he told the writer Ogbonna Amadi in an Africa News Service interview. "We ate rice four times a year. Whenever my father collected his salary and he is not owing anybody, we ate rice. At Christmas, we ate rice and the final rice we'd eat will be in the new year."

Okosuns's parents belonged to a Pentecostal Christian sect called the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, which had been founded during the 1920s by Moses Orimolade Tunolase, later called Baba Aladura. Okosuns's family later moved to Enugu, also known as Coal City because it was the center of Nigeria's coal-mining industry, and his formal schooling ended after just a few years. A fan of Western rock music, he taught himself to play the guitar and learned the songs of Elvis Presley and the Beatles. In 1965, at age eighteen, Okosuns joined the Eastern Nigerian Theatre, a drama troupe that was invited to perform at the Commonwealth Arts Festival in London in the summer of 1965. Back

Who is Sonny Okosun? A Brief Career Overview

Sonny Okosun, often referred to simply as Sunny, was a towering figure in the world of contemporary Nigerian music. Born on January 1, 1947, in Enugu, Nigeria, Okosun was a multifaceted artist--an esteemed singer, songwriter, musician, and the leader of the influential band Ozzidi. His unique sound is a brilliant blend of African reggae, Afrobeat, and highlife, delivered with passion and a distinctive message-driven approach dubbed "ozziddi," which means "there is a message" in his native tongue. A true innovator, Okosun's music tackled vital social and political issues faced by the African continent, encapsulating the struggles and aspirations of his culture in a way that resonated with audiences near and far.

Not only did Okosun make waves within the music industry through his socially-conscious lyrics and dynamic performances, but he also left a lasting mark on vinyl culture. His vinyl records stand as treasured artifacts for collectors, preserving a legacy that showcases his profound impact on the evolution of Nigerian music. His distinct musical journey is worthy of exploration, as it speaks volumes about the transformative power of music and the beauty of vinyl.

Sonny Okosun's Early Life and Background

Sonny Okosun's upbringing was steeped in musical influence, as he was born into a family of musicians. His early years were spent in Enugu and later in Ibore, near Irrua in Edo State, where he developed a deep connection to his cultural roots. Growing up, Okosun was exposed to various musical styles, not just those rooted in African traditions, but also the sounds of Western rock, largely influenced by artists like Elvis Presley and the Beatles.

As a child, Okosun taught himself to play the guitar, showcasing his innate talent. His high school years were marked by a burgeoning interest in drama and music, taking part in local productions, and participating in

Nigerian musician (1947–2008)

Musical artist

Sonny Okosun (1 January 1947 – 24 May 2008) was a Nigerian musician, who was known as the leader of the Ozzidi band. He named his band Ozzidi after a renowned Ijaw river god, but to Okosun the meaning was "there is a message". His surname is sometimes spelled Okosuns and his first name Sunny. He was one of the leading Nigerian musicians from the late 1970s to mid-1980s.

Okosun's brand of African pop music, Ozzidi, is a synthesis of Afro-beat, reggae and funk music. From 1977, he became known for protest songs about Pan-Africanism, freedom and a few other social and political issues affecting Africans.

Early life

As a young boy, Okosun spent his early childhood with his grandmother at Ibore, near Irrua in Edo State. Thereafter, he moved to Enugu to live with his parents, where his father worked with the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Okosun attended various training schools starting with St Brigid's School, Asata, Enugu before enrolling at a government trade centre in Enugu. He left the training centre before completing his studies. Excited by a career in entertainment, he traveled to Lagos to further his interest in acting. In Lagos, he took drama lessons at a drama school in Surulere but left after a few months returning to Enugu. In Enugu, Okosun found an opportunity in small roles where he participated in a few dramatic productions; he also worked with a notable Enugu dram