The Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF) delivered a powerful night of music, memory, and cultural reverence as it honoured legendary broadcaster and Afrobeat historian Benson Idonije in a special “Prelude to 90” edition of its Jams & Vibes session.
Held at Bature Brewery, the event brought together leading voices in Nigeria’s music and cultural space to celebrate a man widely regarded as a foundational figure in documenting the evolution of Afrobeat and the first manager of Fela Kuti.
Idonije, whose influence spans decades and generations,including his role as grandfather to Grammy-winning Afro-fusion star Burna Boy, was at the heart of the evening, receiving tributes that highlighted his enduring impact as a broadcaster, mentor, and cultural archivist.
The night featured a rich lineup of performances led by Hifro exponent Labule and the Agbajoshu Quartet, alongside saxophonist Dotun Bankole. Their delivery blended jazz, Afrobeat, and highlife into an expansive musical experience.
A standout moment came from a 7-year-old saxophone prodigy, Pink Sax Girl, whose performance drew admiration and symbolised the continuity of Nigeria’s musical heritage.
Other highlights included spoken word by ECA, percussive storytelling by Elnana-Afrika, and curated nostalgic sets from DJs Suns and Cheflon. Labule, backed by a 13-piece band, delivered a commanding performance that evoked the mystique of Lagbaja while asserting a fresh artistic identity.
One of the defining moments of the evening came when Afrojazz guitarist Kunle Ayo joined the stage at Idonije’s request, sparking an improvised jam session that featured celebrated vocalists Yinka Davies and Gloria Ibru.
The session, marked by fluid improvisation and cross-genre synergy, blended jazz, Afrobeat, and highlife into a deeply evocative performance. Labule later closed the night with renditions of classics associated with Lagbaja and Femi Kuti, sealing the tribute with both homage and innovation.
Beyond the music, tributes from industry figures and longtime associates painted a portrait of Idonije as more than a broadcaster. Speakers described him as a teacher, mentor, and one of the quiet architects of Nigeria’s modern music narrative.
In his response, Idonije reaffirmed his lifelong passion for broadcasting and mentorship, reflecting on his relationship with Fela Kuti as both professional and deeply personal.
Family representative Ronami Ogulu also expressed appreciation to the organisers and attendees for celebrating a legacy built on storytelling and cultural preservation.
Speaking at the event, LIJF founder and CEO of Inspiro Productions, Ayoola Sadare (Shaddie Bobo), described Idonije as a mentor and “father of the festival,” noting that celebrating him at both 80 and 90 underscores the festival’s commitment to honouring legacy.
Supported by a broad cultural network, the event further cemented LIJF’s role as a leading platform for jazz and cross-genre African music, particularly within the global observance of Jazz Appreciation Month and International Jazz Day.
The LIJF 2026 special edition stood out not just as a tribute, but as a cultural statement—reinforcing the importance of preserving history while inspiring new creative expressions.
As the night came to a close, it left behind a clear message: the legacy of Benson Idonije is not static it is alive, evolving, and deeply woven into the fabric of Nigerian music.
