|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZADEWALE, Segun(b '55, Oshogbo, Nigeria) Singer- composer, guitarist. Born into a Yoruba royal family; infl. by father's amateur guitar playing, but ironically left home after secondary school to pursue music because his father disapproved. To Lagos; became apprentice with Chief S. L. Atolagbe and his Holy Rainbow; learned some composition and arranging from I. K. Dairo. Formed own band the Superstars '73; after LP Kogbodopa Finna-Finna the band collapsed; he bounced back '74 as singer-composer with top juju band Prince Adekunle and the Western Brothers, which toured UK '76; left '77 to form Shina Adewale and the Superstars International with close friend Sir Shina Peters: juju duo lasted three years, seven LPs in Verse series on Welkadeb label; despite growing success and popularity the band with two leaders became untenable; they split '80, Segun kept name Superstars International, formed own record label and was managed by Ola Kazzim, owner of Mutt-Mokson Records. Completed Verse series with two more volumes and started new chapter with album Ope Ye Baba '81, incl. single hit 'Olugbala Salabomi', which consolidated reputation. Polished and progressive LPs incl. Boomerang '82, Endurance and Ase '83; signed with Stern's in London for Play For Me '83. Played shows and Channel 4 film Repercussions '84 UK with 20-strong Superstars: own brand of juju called Yopop is a fusion of juju, jazz, Afro-beat and reggae, also called kick and start music, without slow introductions favoured by many juju stars. Several more albums in Nigeria; compilation Ojo Je released in UK; toured UK '85 incl. three nights at Edinburgh International Festival. Oje Je and Adewele Play For Me are on Rounder USA, also tracks on Rounder's CD compilation African Moves, with Ebenezer Obey, the African Brothers and others. |