Eulogizing Versatile Music producer, Chris Ajilo @ 88
Sage highlife musician, music producer, Christopher Abiodun Ajilore famously called Chris Ajilo turns 88 on Tuesday, 26 December, 2017.
Revered for his versatility and proficiency, KAYODE APONMADE in this write up beams a searchlight on his past and present efforts, exploits, feats and others.
Born on Thursday, 26 December, 1929 in Lagos, he hails from Ijebu’jesha, Oriade local government area of Osun State. Southwest Nigeria.
Octogenarian Chris Ajilo was at various times a musician, music producer, song writer and music teacher.
Famous with the release of his hit single, Eko Ogba Gbere in the 60s, Chris Ajilo, father of two, Korede and Folami (Mrs.) transcended every branch of the music industry in his prime time.
Married to Abeni Ibrahim in 1971, Ajilo attended St. Peters School, Faji, Lagos, Christ Church Cathedral School, Lagos, C.M.S Grammar School, Lagos, Birmingham Technical College, England, Central School of Music and Eric Gilder School of Music, West Street, West End, London respectively for his education.
He began his music career in 1955 as the leader of west End Cool Cats Orchestra while he founded Cubanos Band the same year.
The former General Manager of the Performing and Mechanical Right Society,(PMRS) of Nigeria, was the leader of N.B.C dance orchestra, National Orchestra and Independence Celebration of Nigeria, 1957-61.
An Instrumental Music Tutor, International School, University of Ibadan, Ajilo also led group of musicians to Europe and the Soviet Union in 1962.
He also played with the Cubanos as the resident band at Lafia and Premier hotels respectively from 1963-71, became Director/Leader, Jazz Preachers on the Art Alades Show and music tutor, Musician Foundation School of Music, John School, Ikorodu Road, Lagos, 1972-76.
In 1977, Pa Ajilo was an Instructor/Performer at the World Black Arts Festival and became director of music at the Nigeria Institute of Music and Culture between 1977 and 79.
However, he joined Polygram Records Limited as a staff producer where he spent ten years, 1979-89 after which he became Producer/ Artiste and Repertoire Manager for another two years, 1989-91.
When Polygram Records Limited metamorphosed to Premier Music in 1992, the never say die musician became Consultant till 1996 when he became the General Manager of Performing and Mechanical Rights Society of Nigeria (PMRS).
Ajilo, who loves playing billiards with passion, has produced more than 200 albums of various artistes of Premier Music including top acts like Osadebe, Ras Kimono, Victor Essiet of the Mandators and Isaac Black among others.
Other positions he has held include chairman, Disciplinary Committee of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), chairman, Education and Professionalism Committee of PMAN, member, Probe Panel of 1990-95 Finances of PMAN and National Adviser, PMAN among others.
For his creative/musical work, he has several successful songs released from different stables including Ladies Beware, Ariwo, Hannahs Trick, Iku Eko, New Lagos, Nigeria Calling and Oju Rere with Decca Studios West Africa Limited.
Others are Ariwo, Oh Christiana,Ori Owo, Ori Lonise, Tete De, Afufu, Oro Re, Eko O Gba Gbere, O Ti Lo Waju, Only You, Ode To Murtala and Emi Mimo with Philips West Africa Records.
With his enviable robust credentials, the revered octogenarian Ijebujesha, Osun State indigene Music Producer, Highlife Musician and Music Teacher, Christopher Abiodun Ajilore no doubt, deserves reverence and honor as he has retired to his country home on 28 April, 2008.