Introduction
Dele Ojo (July 10, 1938 - May 3, 2018) was a Nigerian musician and performer. He is revered as one of the musicians to have spread and popularized the Jùjú genre of music.
Career
James Ogundele Ojo was born on July 10, 1938 in the village of Ilara-Mokin to first-generation Christian parents. He attended St. Michael's Primary school from 1944 to 1955. As a fresh primary school student in 1952, Dele was taught how to use a typewriter through the sponsorship of his father. In 1954, he secured a job as a clerk but resigned after three months before he was given another job as a local school teacher.
Ojo's music career began when he met Victor Olaiya who employed him as a member of his music band. In 1969, Ojo formed a band called "Dele Ojo & His Star Brothers" after Olaiya had disbanded his group. Ojo and his group started recording and performing songs to massive reception in live shows in Ekiti State, Lagos and Osun State. They also toured several cities in the United States of America.
He died on the 3rd of May 2018 at his hometown of Ilara Mokin in Ondo State at the age of 80.
Discography
- Alafia
- Juju Music at Its Best