HUMAN
Dele Ojo

Dele Ojo

juju, highlife

Range and Influence Profile

29% of total potential influence has been identified.

29%

Trending in Dele Ojo’s World

Playlists & Collaborations

Relaxing Juju

Relaxing Juju

A mild energy curation of Juju Music for medidative or chilling moments. You don't need to understand Yoruba to enjoy this experience. The Juju music was popularized in Nigeria in the 1970s to 1980s.

Story

Quick Facts

Born
1938
From
Nigeria

Journey

Born on July 10, 1938, in Nigeria, Dele Ojo, widely recognized by his stage name and originally named James Ogundele Ojo, carved a unique niche in the world of music through his groundbreaking contributions to juju and highlife genres. Defined by his early career as a teacher and school band leader, Dele Ojo's profound musical journey took a transformative leap when he joined the legendary Dr. Victor Olaiya's band. He distinguished himself as the first to infuse the bass steel guitar into juju/highlife music, revolutionizing the soundscape with his technical prowess and artistic flair. His performances, marked by an immersive stage setup with six microphones, became a hallmark of his shows. Dele Ojo's commitment to enhancing his craft through professional training and seminars paved the way for remarkable international exploits, earning him the distinction of being among the first Nigerian juju musicians to tour extensively in America and the UK. Beyond music, his spiritual journey led to the establishment of a ministry reflecting his deep faith. Revered both locally and internationally, Dele Ojo was celebrated with numerous musical awards, leaving a lasting legacy that endured beyond his passing in 2018.

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