A landmark cultural event tagged: ‘Jams & Vibes Session – Prelude to 90’, a special tribute in honour of the legendary broadcaster, music critic and cultural icon, Benson Idonije, who turns 90 on June 13, will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Bature Brewery, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This special edition of Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF) will fete a man whose lifelong dedication to the arts has profoundly shaped Nigeria’s musical identity for over seven decades.
Widely regarded as Nigeria’s foremost music historian, Benson Idonije holds a permanent place in the global pantheon of music legacy spanning three generations.
He was the foundational manager for Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, playing a pivotal role in the early development of Afrobeat during the Koola Lobitos era.
Idonije’s influence remains remarkably contemporary; as the maternal grandfather of global superstar Burna Boy, he represents the direct lineage between the roots of Afrobeat and modern Afrobeats phenomenon currently dominating global charts.
Beyond artist management
Beyond artist management, Idonije’s legacy is etched into the airwaves. During his distinguished career at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), he was the voice that introduced generations of Nigerians to the intricacies of Jazz and Highlife. He is also the author of the seminal biography, Dis Fela Sef: The Legend(s) Untold, considered the most authoritative insider account of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s life and artistic philosophy.
Jams & Vibes Session
Produced by leading creative enterprise development company, Inspiro Productions, ‘Prelude to 90’ will feature a curated lineup of live performances spanning Jazz, Highlife and Afrobeats. The evening will blend music with “storytelling sessions”, reflecting on the evolution of the Nigerian soundscape.
Highlights of the night include:
- Live Sets: From veteran jazzists to contemporary Afro-fusion artists.
- Literary Spotlight: A public reintroduction and reading of Dis Fela Sef.
- Legacy Tribute: Insights into Idonije’s mentorship and his role in the Burna Boy global ascent.
Ayoola Sadare aka Shaddie Bobo, Founder/ Director, Lagos International Jazz Festival, noted the personal weight of the celebration.
According to him, “Benson Idonije is more than a legend; he is a mentor and patriarch of the Lagos International Jazz Festival. Having celebrated his 80th birthday, it is a profound honour to do so again at 90. This event celebrates continuity. From Fela to Burna, Benson has been the steady heartbeat behind the scenes. We are honouring a man whose vision helped define the sound of a nation.”
The event is bolstered by a coalition of Nigeria’s leading creative and cultural organizations, including
Naijazz, Showbiz Africa, Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF), Culture Advocates Caucus, Culture Dispatch, and WATZUP TV.