Legendary musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, is bereaved following the passing of one of the founding members of his band, Pa Sabitiu Ayinla Fasasi, also known as Vasco Dagama.
Pa Fasasi, aged 90, passed on August 20 at his residence in Idogo town, Ogun State and has been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
Expressing his grief, Obey described Vasco Dagama as an essential part of his music career. He said he had been with him after Ifelodun Mambo Orchestra, which was led by his late brother, Jimoh Akinwande, after the music legend formed his first band called ‘Ebenezer Obey And His Royal Mambo Orchestra’ in 1957 at age 15 up to the Inter-Reformers Band.
“Vasco Dagama was a great senior brother to me. I have lost a great brother and I believe he has gone to rest with his Creator. He was my diehard fan and a promoter. He later became one of my band members from the time I brought the late Baba Abengo Mayana, Omo Bamgbose of Lagos, and the late Akinbomi Salvage to the Inter-reformers band.
“We had a close bond. He hailed from Idogo and Iro town in Ogun State. We even attended the same school at Idogo Methodist Primary School. He was one of my vocalists, and I usually called him Alagba Vasco Dagama, because he was eight years older than me,” Obey shared.
Recalling his last conversation with Vasco Dagama, Obey mentioned that they had spoken a few days earlier, and Vasco Dagama was doing well until he suddenly lost the ability to speak.
Obey expressed his deep sense of loss, saying, “Vasco Dagama was very special to me, and I have so much respect for him. I call him, Ogunlade and Salau Awe ‘Obey Plus Three,’ as they were founding members of my band. When Salau Awe left to join the army, others came in, then he (Vasco Dagama) became one of my vocalists.”
Obey also sympathised with Vasco Dagama’s family, while he prayed for strength to bear the great loss.
He noted that the family would provide further details about arrangements to honour Vasco Dagama with a befitting burial.
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