Femi Esho, a renowned Nigerian music promoter and the head of Evergreen Musical Company Limited, has passed away at the age of 77. Esho, born on October 29, 1946, died on Monday in Lagos after battling an undisclosed illness.
His family confirmed the sad news in a statement issued by Mr. Bunmi Esho on Tuesday. The statement reads: “We announce the passing of our Patriarch, Mr. Samuel Babafemi Esho, popularly known as ‘Baba Esho’ or ‘Baba Musician.’ Baba Esho departed to greater glory on Monday, 17th June 2024, after a brief illness at the age of 77 years. Until his demise, he was the Chairman of Evergreen Musical Company and the Founder of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation. Baba Esho was a mentor and an ‘encyclopedia’ to many Highlife music aficionados.”
The statement further highlighted Esho’s dedication to preserving Nigerian music, particularly genres like Highlife, Juju, Sakara, Apala, and Afrobeat. His efforts ensured the immortality of these musical forms, leaving a lasting legacy.
Details about Esho’s burial arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
Reacting to his death, 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. He was a gentle, cheerful, and giving soul. God bless him. He was my buddy!”
In May, Esho embarked on an extraordinary project, establishing the largest music museum and gallery on the continent, the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation, in partnership with Dr. DK Olukoya. This grand endeavor, set to be completed by December, will feature a music museum, a music library, an exhibition hall for artist head busts, and over 1,000 photographs of Nigerian musicians dating back to 1914, along with their attire and vintage musical instruments.
