dead. The singer who was very popular in the 90's for hit singles like
'yetunde' died this morning at Okokomaiko in a car accident, amusic
promotersays. But his friend, another musician says,he dieddue to
kidney complications. The singer has been trying to make a big
comeback before his sudden death. Whatever took him away, we say, may
his soul rest in peace. He is survived by his siblings, wife and five
children.
Another person just confirmedthat he has been sick for the past 3
weeks before passing away this morning, but refused to say if he had a
kidney problem or not.
Find a press statement on him below.
One of Nigeria's most popular 90s musicians Olufemi Mayomi, aka Father
U Turn, is dead.
The dancehallartistewho rose from poverty as an orphan, to build a
successful and inspiring career as a songwriter, recording artiste, TV
presenter and performer, passed on in Lagos today, following a brief
illness.
He was 36 years old.
The late U Turn was from Kabba-Bunu in Kogi State where he first tried
his hands on entertainment, working as a radio and TV presenter.
He had a brief stint at NTA in Lagos, after relocating here, before
signing a deal with Ultima Records which released his early albums.
He was a little boy, with braids and a charmingpersonality. And his
signature intro 'Apoola Berekete' was far beyond his stature. But he
got the industry's attention and got a leg inthe doorbefore long.
After years of club tours and free gigs, he got his first break when
he was signed to one of the biggest record labels of the time, Ultima
Records.
Ultima engaged Nelson Brown to work on his first album which proved to
be a huge success.
The hits 'African Culture' and 'Shakara' threw him into national
limelight, instantly putting him in the league of bonafide ghetto
stars like Daddy Showkey and Daddy Fresh.
He espoused Okokomaiko where he resided, with many songs dedicated to
the Lagos outskirt.
His second album 'Padlock Ur Mouth' produced the smash hit 'Yetunde' a
collaboration with Pasuma Wonder.
With dozens of awards confirming his exploits, including multiple
decoration by Awards for Musical Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN), Youths
Awards for Excellence in Music (YAFEM), amongst many others, U Turn
lead a generation of alternative dancehall cats by the hands. And in
Okokomaiko where he spent the last two decades of his life, he was
like a king. His success encouraged many children in the area to
embrace music, and he supported many of them.
Although his later years were troubled by label issues with Bayowa
Music, and career challenges that came with unsuccessful albums,
Father U Turn remained dedicated to his art - recording endlessly and
refusing to let go of his passion and dedication to reggae/dancehall.
He also vehemently refused to relocate from Okokomaiko, despite
constant pleas fromfriends and family.
He died in a hospital around Okokomaiko today, after suffering a liver
related illness. A family member confirmed he had been in and out of
hospital for many weeks. He had been on admission at the last hospital
for 10 days before he passed on.
He is survived by his siblings, wife Ajimoh and five children.
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