Mrs. Zainab Olagunju, the widow of the late veteran musician Fatai Rolling Dollar, passed away on February 11 at the age of 59. She was laid to rest on February 18 in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Her first son, Jamiu, has revealed that his mother’s difficult life ultimately contributed to her untimely passing.
Jamiu, an undergraduate student of Performing Arts at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, lamented the struggles he, his mother, and his sibling endured for nearly 12 years following the death of their father, the legendary musician.
He disclosed that his mother had been battling hypertension since 2022. Although she managed the condition, financial constraints severely impacted her ability to access proper medical care.
He recalled how she was forced to sell some of their belongings to afford treatment, but despite her efforts, she ultimately succumbed to the illness.
Reflecting on his late mother, Jamiu said, “I remember my mother for everything. She called me every day to remind me of who I am and why I should always behave well. I love playing football, but my mum encouraged me to develop my musical talent and follow in my father’s footsteps.”
Expressing his deep sorrow, he added, “I will miss her cooking, her company, her voice, and her face. She was incredibly kind and prayerful, always hoping for a better future for me and my younger brother, Mojeed, who is currently in SS2.”
Jamiu also highlighted the sacrifices his mother made to ensure their survival, revealing that she took up a job as a sweeper with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) despite being the wife of a renowned musician. “This was a situation that would likely have been different if my father were still alive,” he lamented.
Friends of the late Rolling Dollar family expressed their shock and sadness over Mrs. Zainab’s passing. Latoya Aduke, the widow of the legendary musician Orlando Julius, described her as a devoted mother who endured immense hardship for the sake of her children. She emphasized that Zainab would be greatly missed, especially by those who loved her most—her children.
Duro Ikujenyo, a former pianist for Fela and one of the producers of Fatai Rolling Dollar’s songs, also mourned her passing. He noted that she had a close relationship with him during her lifetime and expressed his sorrow, stating that she would have loved to witness her sons grow up and succeed in their careers.
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