FATAI ROLLING DOLLAR IS DEAD

Musical legend and Won Kere Si Numba Wa crooner, Fatai Rolling Dollar is dead! The 85 years old musican died this morning, Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at Ahmaddiya Hospital, along Sango Alagbado Expressway. Before his death, there were rumours that he could not pay his hospital bill of about N29K, although his second wife debunmed the rumour, it went viral online. Often times described as the Come Back King, Fatai got his famed nickname from his days in Secondary School when he had the ability of rolling silver dollars expertly. Back then, he was always called by his school mates to roill Dollars to choose sides for football teams at leisure periods. He was born in Ede in 1928 to the family of Late Chief Olagunju. His music break came in 1953 when he collaborated with master guitarist J.O. Araba and tenor sax Ishola Willie Payne to play at the exclusive Island Club in Lagos. Their Afro Skittle band adopted Ghanaian palm wine music to Yoruba highlife sounds, a fusion that deeply influenced up-and-coming artists like Fela Kuti,Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey (whom he taught to play the guitar). In the early days of independence, the Afro Skittles recorded several 78-rpm vinyl songs for Philips, spurning hits like Ranka Dede and Ogba oya ya. Rolling Dollars however dissapeared from the music scene for about twenty-five years before making a come-back in 2003. He benefitted immensely from the magnanimity of former Lagos State governor, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who pulled him out of abject poverty and gave him a new home amongst other things. The legendary singer fell ill on June 5th 2013, and was rushed to the hospital by his wife. However, the singer lost this final battle with death this morning. He leaves behind above all else, a legacy of determination. For he was a constant inspiration to many that no matter how old you are, you can still be relevant. He is survived by three wives, including a German and sixteen children. Rest In Peace Great Man! We will miss you…