Majek Fashek: A rainmaker in need
By Justin Akpovi-Esade
IS it fate or retribution or perhaps self-inflicted pain? If it is retribution, for what sin then? But then, what kind of a man would inflict so much on himself? Fate? It must be the cruelest on Nigeria and one of Africa's biggest reggae music export to the world, Majek Fashek at present.
All these questions among others were on the minds of the large crowd last Friday as the reggae legend walked into celebrity hangout, O'jez, National Stadium premises, Surulere, Lagos, to savour its Friday Nite Show. The musician is a shadow of his former self. The reality of his now deteriorated condition hit everyone straight in the face as the haggard fellow with a black leather jacket and equally black shirt, all hanging from his limp shoulders, walked in.
Every activity momentarily stopped as the icon, also spotting a black beret, black boots and blue jeans staggered into the cool arena led by his later day friend and confidant, a budding reggae act, Jahcob. It took him some minutes to realize the attention he was generating among the packed celebrity restaurant. Then he began to savour the spotlight, something he had been used to since 1988 when he took the nation and world music stage by storm with his Prisoner of Conscience hit, that reportedly sold over 200, 000 copies, an unprecedented feat at that time.
Several hits followed and Majek was soaring, playing concerts all over the world including Jamaica, where his genre of music originated from. All his shows reportedly sold out. Then, it all began as a rumour that the musician was hooked on drugs. First, it was rumoured to be 'ordinary' Igbo (marijuana), but as the rumour mill spurned, Igbo graduated into its elder 'brothers' and 'cousins'-heroine and cocaine among other dangerous drugs.
There were several denials. Statements to the effect that Majek was never into drugs but alcohol, as well as spiritual attack, were issued at intervals. All these did not help the reggae star as his condition worsened. At least, something close to admittance was given by Jahcob, his latest friend when he chastised government for the perceived neglect of an icon of like Majek even as he solicited for help from well-meaning Nigerians to save the artiste. His words: "It is only in Nigeria that we throw away our icons, that is Majek Fashek, the great one that is worshipped all over the world, that is Majek Fashek who has traveled the world doing Nigeria proud and government is not doing anything to help him. This is not the first time an artiste is having a drugs problem, Alpha Blondy had a drug issue and his government came to his rescue, so instead of our government helping to preserve a national heritage like Majek, they are busy giving out national honours to some people."
Majek's condition is now at its precipice and if nothing is done fast to get him into a rehabilitation home, he may end up being eaten by the drugs. That was why perhaps, almost everybody in the dancing restaurant wanted to take pictures with him that night. Mobile phones were handy, recording his performance. O'jez official photographer Say What had a busy time taking shots of Majek with his fans especially women. They want to have a piece of the legend before the sunset, unless something is done, and fast. The question is, is he ready for help? When he climbed the stage to perform, he demonstrated that his music and mind are still intact. The only time he went off the rails was when he snapped that all the mobile phones be taken from his face. "Spray money, he (Jahcob) needs money or else take these cameras off my face." Jahcob apologized on his behalf later adding that it is not money they need but help for the ailing artiste. "Forget about what Majek just said about money, we don't want money, we need help. So many newspapers have written in the past that Majek is mad, but I have been with this man for over two weeks now, his mind is intact." Jahcob should have come out clean on the need to get Majek into a rehab home fast.
The artiste still has music inside of him. His about 45-minute performance sent a chill down the spine of many. Combining beautifully well with Jahcob, one of his hit songs, Holy Spirit, sent all to the dance floor. Little Patience did something similar but his Redemption Song, a remix of Bob Marley's piece of the same title shook O'jez. Jahcob was the only one attempting to perform the song, but Majek dashed back on stage as the opening instrumental began. With a stick of cigarette between his finger, he grabbed the mic from Jahcob with his free hand and delved into the song. His rich voice filled the hall and Bob Marley came alive that night. He signed off with his monster hit Send Down The Rain. It was an emotional reunion with the song that is two decades old.
How did Majek get to this point? Nollywood director Charles Inojie who was at O'jez that night was too numb to comment. "It is a sad story but it is not too late. His (Majek) situation is not beyond redemption, that is why government and well-meaning Nigerians should rally round and save Majek." He was seen later recording every Majek's move with both his digital camera and mobile phone. Perhaps, a movie may soon be on its way.
But then, a planned movie on the artiste was what reportedly tore his relationship and that of another movie director Charles Novia apart. Novia's November Records released Majek's Little Patience in Nigeria. The movie producer, director was touting Nollywood star Francis Duru to play Majek in the movie. Nobody has been able to find out what went wrong between the duo. But it brings one to the issue of the star actually wanting help. Because Novia was all over the place then defending and protecting Majek's interests. The deal to release Majek's latest work, when Novia landed it, was news all over the place. The movie producer did all his best to project the star positively the period the affair lasted.
When the help would come is unknown, but in the meantime, Majek continues to live like a destitute with a young man, old enough to be his son.
Born Majekodunmi Fasheke, he attracted international attention in 1987, when his self-penned tune, Send Down The Rain, seemed to coax a rain storm that ended one of the worst draughts in Nigeria' s history. Labled a "prophet", Fashek went on to become one of Africa's greatest reggae-influenced performers. His debut solo album, Prisoner Of Conscience, released in 1988, sold more than 200,000 copies in Nigeria alone.
Born in Benin City, once the center of the ancient Bini kingdom, Fashek inherited his love of music from his mother, an Edo woman who raised him following the death of his father when he was eleven years old. A businesswoman, who supplied concrete to road contractors, she inspired him through her participation in traditional religious ceremonies where the Olokun rhythms were used to accompany worship of the river goddess. As a youngster, Fashek played maracas during the ceremonies.
While he developed an early interest in the music of Jamaica, Fashek was equally drawn to the music of Indian cinema. Learning to play guitar while in secondary school, Fashek joined a band, Jah Stix, and began playing in clubs in the city of Lagos. Jah Stix later became the toast of Nigerian Television Authority, NTA Benin Music Panorama.
Fashek, whose name means, "power of miracles, the high priest does not live", had a very close involvement with the late Nigerian drummer and bandleader Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
His latest album Little Patience on the Coral Music label is in many ways Fashek's masterwork-the culmination of his life's extraordinary journey. With powerful and provocative songs like the soulful Power of a Woman, or the inspiring Someday One Day, it is a remarkable collection that incorporates Majek's core influences of Bob Marley, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Jimi Hendrix. He seamlessly meshes roots, rock, reggae and Afrobeat into a unique signature sound called kpangolo. Majek describes it as "the sound of many cultures coming together." Majek Fashek has always sung from the soul about the political and social struggles he has faced in his long and winding road from Nigeria to the U.S. He first attracted international attention in 1987 when his song, Send Down The Rain seemed to coax a rainstorm that ended one of the worst droughts in Nigeria' s history. Performing at an outdoor theater, he saw the thirsty crowd yearning for just a few drops of water. No one could imagine the possibility of a downpour, but as Majek sang the lyric "the sky looks misty and cloudy; it looks like the rain's gonna fall today," clouds gathered in the sky, thunder cracked and rain soaked the barren ground. Since that momentous occasion, Fashek has become one of Africa's most revered contemporary musical performers, rivaling compatriots Alpha Blondy and Lucky Dube in recognition and popularity around the world. Majek also worked as an A&R man, helping local musicians like the Mandators and Ras Kimono. In 1987, he embarked on his solo career and soon became Nigeria's biggest reggae star. After winning six awards at the annual PMAN Nigerian Music Awards ceremony, he was signed to CBS Nigeria, but soon transferred to Island Records' subsidiary Mango, a label more accustomed to marketing reggae internationally. The Best of Majek Fashek was released in the UK in 1994, incorporating much of Majek's classic African material, and in 1997 Rainmaker was released on Tuff Gong International. Fashek had a close relationship with the legendary late Nigerian musician and bandleader Fela Kuti, and he includes a Fela composition Water No Get Enemy on the new album. "He's like my big brother," Majek has said and like Fela, he not only delivers hard-hitting rhythms, but also a forceful criticism of social and political issues. On Little Patience, Majek's acid tongue and sharp wit offer insightful and powerful lyrics over fresh Afro-reggae grooves. He combines so many types of music because as he says, "when the styles blend together, music can free the world." "When there is too much hustle in life," Majek observes, "you've got to be patient and wait for your time. You've got to pray and you've got to keep working. Don't be lazy, but watch where you're going - that's a little patience."
However, patience is not the word needed in freeing the star from the present shackles different from his trademark handcuffs.
