Despite not making it to music stardom, we were copycats and one of our super heroes was Admiral Dele Abiodun, popular known as Adawa king.

The music fever was always in the house. My father could barely speak Yoruba language which is the voice for Juju music but his music library compilation of Juju music and musicians would fetch him an honor such as Hall of Fame in such genre.

Everywhere we go in the house, there was music. ‘It’s Time for Juju Music’ was one of those melodious tracks that recohet from my family’s spacious parlour in the building. My younger brother and I tried to mimic the Juju musicians from fashion to dance steps. Also their lyrical compositions. Yet, none of us ever made it to become a musician of any kind.
Despite not making it to music stardom, we were copycats and one of our super heroes was Admiral Dele Abiodun, popular known as Adawa king.

Dele Abiodun was born on the 30th March, 1948. He actually rose to prominence by being original with King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey still at the forefront of Juju music. Admiral had a steady music career of approximately 20 years as a singer, composer and guitarist, Dele Abiodun is considered to be one of the best juju musicians of his time. He evolved Juju music globally just like his competitors.

started his music career at a young age, dropping out of school at Adeola Odutola College in Ijebu Ode and moving to Ghana to study music at Young Pioneers Music School and to find a job.

While in Ghana, he played the bass for several highlife bands, but in 1969 he decided to go solo and formed a band called Sweet Abbey and the Tophitters.

Dele Abiodun created a new style known as Adawa meaning being independent. He invested in his new found style which evolved into a critical acclaim and won him massive audience and fans at different concerts.

After the introduction of the Adawa style, Abiodun and his band released several LPs and singles with many of the compositions fans favorite and grabbing radio appeal. Such renditions include
Adawa Sounds Super 2 1975, Adawa Super Sound 1975, Adawa Super 5 1976, Admiral Dele Abiodun & His Top Hitters Band 1976, Adawa King 1977, Original Super 7 – In the Apple New York City 1977.

The mercurial artiste rising profile turned him into Juju music behemoth and a classic palm wine sound entitled ‘Elemu N’ Get On’ in 1978 which literally means the Guzzler must continue his merrily lifestyle. Dele Abiodun won the hearts of music lovers and party stakers with this palmwine sound which Juju music originally gained prominence.

Dele Abiodun actually turned the music on and became third force after Ebenezer Obey and Sunny Ade. His career was a commercial success with several smash hits that criss-cross to other parts of the world. Dele Abiodun eventually got the global appeal when he released ‘It’s Time for Juju Music’ in 1984. More hits like The Beginning of a New Era 1981, Adawa Super Sound 1985 and Confrontation in1985. Dele’s time was Juju music’s time.

His fashion sense added to his public relations appeal instantly, as he commanded attention while dorning the ever illustrious ‘Che Gueverra caps on his album covers and revered concerts . This fashion appealed to virtually every Dele Abiodun’s fan who aligned with the sound of the eclectic guitarist time.

Article/Ireho Aito /Images/Google