30 years after, Haruna Ishola resurrects

AFTER 30 years of his demise, children,
relatives, friends and loyalists of late
Apala music maestro, Alhaji Haruna Ishola
held an epoch making anniversary
celebration in honour of their hero in
appreciation of his socio-economic
contribution to the development of not
only the Yoruba race but Nigeria as a
whole.
Held at the late music maestro's ancient
town of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, the event
witnessed series of activities that formed
the agenda for the celebration. The
ceremony was kick-started with a 'fidau'
prayer for the deceased as well as his
children and relatives. The chief imam of
Ijebu land presided over the prayer
session.
Tributes, eulogies and exultation also
poured in torrents for late Haruna Ishola
from children, relatives and most
especially, his 'eternal fans and loyalists'
who all stormed the event in large
numbers to honour their music icon.
Speaking on behalf of the children, the
scion of the Haruna Ishola family, Alhaji
Gani Haruna Ishola expressed his
gratitude to his siblings as well as
relatives and friends who all contributed
to the success of the event. "I am and
will be eternally grateful to my brothers
and sisters as well as other people who
have all supported us with their prayers
and physical presence at today's
ceremony. This to me is a confirmation of
their love and affection not only to late
Haruna Ishola as a person but also to the
children and the Haruna Ishola family as a
whole.
According to Chief Rasheed Thanni, who
describes himself as an 'Apostle' of late
Haruna Ishola, "we are here today to
honour and celebrate the life of one of
Nigeria's musical legend, a man who
spread the gospel of peace, love,
tolerance and social education through
the philosophy of his music; Apala music.
We are indeed privilege to be part of this
celebration and I also want to reiterate
that we should all imbibe the message of
his music and not only the pleasure".
The event which attracted political
heavyweights, top Nigerian celebrities
and musical icons was also attended by
who-is-who of Ijebu-Igbo town as
prominent sons and daughters of the
town all came out to honour one of their
illustrious sons that carved a niche not
only for himself but also for his home
town; Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.
Born in 1919, late Haruna Ishola, with
dint of hardwork and determination to
succeed rose steadily and through the
ranks to become one of Nigeria's as well
as Africa's most illustrious musician. With
over 100 albums to his credit and
countless musical hits, late Haruna Ishola
is still regarded today as one of the best
musical exports of Africa. Until his death
in 1983, the man reputed for his
infectious trademark smile built a
business empire worthy of note. A
recording studio, manufacturing and label
outfit, the late Apala music legend also
contributed to the socio-economic
development of Nigeria through his series
of philantrophic gestures and investments
in music, education, religion and other
social activities.
Presently, and after over 40 years of their
release, his evergreen songs such as
'Oroki Social Club', 'Ina Ran', 'Soyoyo'
amongst others are still the toast of radio
stations, social gatherings and private
listenership. Interestingly, Hip-Hop and R
& B music acts have also 'feasted' on
them through a substantial remix of his
hit songs.