Pa Benedict Odiase and Fatai Rolling Dollar Olagunju (Fatai Rolling dollar photo credit: Whispernaija.com)
By SaharaReporters, New York
He said of Pa Benedict Odiase, the composer of the National Anthem who died yesterday, that he will always be remembered and honoured whenever the anthem which captures the vision of Nigeria as a great nation is played; and Fatai Rolling Dollar, whose career lasted over 64 years, that he will remain an enduring influence on African music.
“President Jonathan shares the grief of all lovers of music over the death of the illustrious entertainer, master singer, guitarist and exponent of the native thumb piano who continued to perform and exhibit his unqualified love for the music profession at an age when most of his contemporaries had long retired,” an official statement said.
Mourning Pa Odiase, he urged his family, former colleagues in the police and friends across the country to be consoled by the knowledge that the late police officer lived an exemplary life, and bequeaths an indelible legacy which will continue to inspire present and future generations of Nigerians to greater heights of accomplishment.
