Benson Idonije @ 80: How Fela and I bonded

One of Nigeria’s grandfathers of broadcasting and music critique, Benson Idonije, recently turned 80. As the drums are rolled-out to celebrate, Weekend Magazine reflects on the journey of a man whose diversity has brought so much impact to an industry.   That Benson Idonije, the ace broadcaster and music critic is 80 is perhaps no […]

One of Nigeria’s grandfathers of broadcasting and music critique, Benson Idonije, recently turned 80. As the drums are rolled-out to celebrate, Weekend Magazine reflects on the journey of a man whose diversity has brought so much impact to an industry.
 
That Benson Idonije, the ace broadcaster and music critic is 80 is perhaps no longer news. What perhaps seems to be trending is the fact that fans of the great Benjay (Idonije’s nickname) are still revelling in the euphoria of his grand entry into the octogenarian club.
For those celebrating Idonije’s numerous exploits, they indeed have reasons to do so. And this may not be unconnected with the fact that, more than any other known arts and entertainment journalist of his time, Benjay was reputed to have traversed the industry like a colossus.
The adventurism that dictated his life became noticeable early. The first known instance of such was after the completion of his Cambridge School Certificate at Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida Ora, Edo State and Yaba College of Technology Lagos, where he studied Communications Engineering. At the completion of his studies, he secured a job with the then Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (later Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN) in 1957 as an engineering assistant.
But in less than three years, in 1960, the then 24-year- old engineer, prodded by exuberance, switched into mainstream broadcasting. He also became a producer and an On Air Personality, (OAP). He anchored programmes like ‘The Big Beat’ and ‘Stereo Jazz Club.’ Benjay was said to have been so successful in his programme presentations that many soon began to acknowledge his prowess and regard him as an authority.
“It was a matter of time for Benjay to become an authority in doing what he knows how to do best. Then he was in music department of the FRCN and he presented programmes on jazz and a number and other genres of music,” Gbenga Ariba, a younger associate of Idonije at FRCN, said.
“His programmes were well-researched and in-depth. He has a way of holding his audience spellbound because he gave rare facts. On and off air, he has the charisma of a unique person,” he said.
“Though he was much older than people like us, he related with everybody nicely. He was in music while I was in the drama department. And I remember that in those days anytime we wanted to run programmes that would involve using classical music, we always approached him and he would advise us on the type to select,” Ariba said.
Yet Idonije’s budding potentials will not limit him to programme presentations. He went into music management, through his informal relationship with his friend, the late Afro-beat icon, Fela.
“Fela had listened to my programme on radio for a month. Then, one Thursday night, he drove down to the broadcasting house in Ikoyi to see who was behind the show. He came to the studio and introduced himself. That was how we became friends. He admired my knowledge of jazz and I admired his musicianship. He was a fine trumpeter. From that night, we bonded,” Idonije recalled.
“We nurtured the idea of a quintet. I helped to assemble his new band until 1965 when his mother advised us to go back to highlife. In London, Fela was playing highlife before he began playing jazz. We went back to highlife. It is a very long story and we called the band ‘Koola Lobitos.’ I was more familiar with the Nigerian music scene then so I helped him to manage the band,” he added.
“I managed the band till 1969 when he travelled on international tour. I still managed his band till the early 70s. My management work with him was on the basis of friendship and not exactly a business deal. I had to advise him, show him the ropes and generally guide him because he was easily provoked,” Benjay said.
“I worked with him from 1963 till 1974. But I didn’t quit. He just didn’t need a manager of my type anymore. He needed managers abroad that would link him to big shows. We were still friends till he died,” he said.
As if that was not enough, Benjay was to soon find himself in lecturing. At the FRCN Training School, Ikeja GRA, the octogenarian became Principal Lecturer and Chief Training Officer, Programme Production (1984 to 1992) when he called it quits at 56 years.
Yet, Idonije’s retirement was not enough to disconnect him from adding to the body of knowledge. If anything, the retirement launched Benjay to print journalism. He contributed critiques, opinions as well as commentaries to music and arts-related publications in Nigeria and abroad.
So enthralling were his contributions that he got an invitation from The Guardian newspaper to become its full-fledged columnist, presenting three columns – ‘Evergreen’ (Wednesdays), ‘Sound and Screen’ (Fridays) and ‘All That Jazz’ (Sundays), weekly.
“Idonije was quite active in print journalism as well. His columns were rich, informative and readers’ delight. And that goes to the fact that this man is an icon, one that proves that he is versatile, a leader of leaders whom I will continue to reserve highest regard for,” Ariba said.
A Fellow of Adam Fiberesima School of Music and Conservatory, University of Port Harcourt, Idonije became a recipient of the prestigious Life Time Award for Journalism Excellence in 2012 which was conferred on him by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).
“He has paid his dues in the industry and I am very happy for him. As fleeting as broadcasting is, so are broadcasters in society. But somehow, Benjay has survived that sordid reality,” Ariba said.