The Nigerian music industry is in deep mourning following the heartbreaking news that the illustrious music promoter and head of Evergreen Musical Company Limited, Femi Esho, has passed away. Born on October 29, 1946, Esho died on Monday in Lagos at the age of 77 after valiantly battling an undisclosed illness. A statement from the grieving family, dated Tuesday and issued by Mr. Bunmi Esho, confirmed the tragic loss of this musical luminary. The statement reads: “We announce the passing unto glory of our Patriarch, Mr Samuel Babafemi Esho, popularly known and referred to as “Baba Esho”, Baba Musician, etc.
“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.”
The announcement emphasized that the departed individual will be eternally cherished for his unwavering dedication to preserving the timeless legacy of Nigerian Highlife, Juju, Sakara, Apala, Afrobeat, and a myriad of other indigenous Nigerian and African musical genres. His profound contributions have cemented his status as a guardian of these vibrant cultural expressions, ensuring their resonance for generations to come. The family added that additional details regarding Esho’s funeral arrangements will be disclosed in due course. Reacting to the sad development, one of the deceased’s friends, Tunde Fagbenle, a notable writer and columnist, said:
“He has gone to rest. He carved a niche for himself and made a mark on the national canvas with it. He was a gentle, cheerful and giving soul. God bless him. He was my buddy!”.
Esho recently announced he was working on a project called Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the founder of Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministry (MFM), Dr Daniel Olukoya. With his daughter Bimbo serving as executive secretary, the foundation is designed to include a music library, museum, cinema, recording studio and event centre among other facilities.
