Tribute to Nigeria's Music Icon - Pa Fatai Rolling Dollar

 

Dead: Fatai Rolling Dollar

Veteran highlife musician Fatai Rolling Dollar has died according to Nigeria's This Day newspaper. Nigerians and music lovers all over the world including Nigeria's President Jonathan are mourning the loss of an icon.

The guitarist and singer who had a career spanning more than 64 years died on Wednesday after more than 10 days in a coma, and was aged either 85. 

Fatai was best known for his song, They Cannot Match Us, which criticised younger generations.

The exact cause of Fatai's death, or his age, is not known. But he was still touring the US tour just before he passed away. 

During the 1950s and 1960s, Fatai, whose real name was Fatai Olagunju, was a nationally celebrated performer. Fatai is said to have revolutionized the agidigbo or thumb piano - which he then moved onto the guitar.
 
His music was a great influence on other Nigerian musicians, including Fela Kuti, Victor Nwaifor, Victor Olaiya, I. K Dairo, Tunde Nightingale and Roy Chicago to name a few.

He frequently performed at the then French Cultural Centre in Lagos." One his songs, "Won Kere Si Number", was also a hit. 

Listen to Music by Fatai Rolling Dollar