Fatah Rolling Dollar, whose real name is Olayiwola Fatai Olagunju, was a highlife musician.
He was known for his skill with the guitar, an instrument he introduced into the Nigerian music industry.
EARLY LIFE
Fatai Rolling Dollar was born on July 22, 1927, in the Abegede area of Lagos Island, Lagos State. He was born into a royal family from Ede, Osun State, and attended schools in Lagos. He moved to Ede in 1943 and took to music shortly after his father’s death.
CAREER
He started his music career in 1953 with the Calabar band and introduced the guitar to the Nigerian music scene. The band was popular. After a four-year stint with the Calabar band, he formed Fatai Rolling Dollar and his African Rhythm Band, which included Ebenezer Obey, in 1957. The band produced many hit singles, including “Sisi Jaiye Jaiye” and “Won Bumi.”
Fatai fell on hard times and disappeared from the Nigerian music scene for several years.
In 2009, he returned with his hit single, “Won Kere Si Numba Wa.” That proved to be the turning point in his music career, and he became a celebrated performer. He performed in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
He was presented with a two-bedroom flat inside the Millenium Estate, Agege, Lagos State, by former Lagos State governor Bola Tinubu to recognize his contribution to the country’s music industry.
LEGACY
He pioneered Highlife and Juju music in Nigeria and inspired many well-known musicians, such as Ebenezer Obey and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
DEATH
Fatai Rolling Dollar died in Lagos on June 12, 2013.
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