By Nurudeen Adebayo
Dr. D.K. Olukoya, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Worldwide, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Pa Samuel Babafemi Femi Esho, a renowned figure in the Nigerian music industry.
In his tribute, Dr. Olukoya celebrated the life and legacy of Pa Esho, describing him as a noble individual who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting West African music, particularly the Highlife genre.
Dr. Olukoya highlighted Pa Esho’s remarkable contributions to the music industry, both in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region. Esho was a foremost collector, patron, and preserver of indigenous music genres, including Highlife, Juju, Sakara, Apala, and Afrobeat.
His efforts were instrumental in ensuring that the rich musical heritage of Nigeria would be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
In addition to his work as a music collector, Pa Esho established his own musical company and formed a band that focused on Highlife music.
His influence extended to radio and television, where he was a prominent figure promoting Nigerian music. Notably, he hosted the “Highlife Renaissance” show on Ray Power, Nigeria’s first private radio station, for three years.
He also played a pivotal role in reviewing Nigerian music from 1914 to 2014 as part of the country’s centenary celebrations on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Dr. Olukoya also praised Pa Esho’s efforts in reviving the works of legendary musicians, particularly through a project that repackaged music from the 1920s.
He launched the Evergreen Music Foundation in Surulere, Lagos, which has since become a vital resource for research and documentation of over 10,000 Nigerian musicians, serving researchers, anthropologists, and sociologists globally.
In his tribute, Dr. Olukoya reflected on Pa Esho’s personal qualities, describing him as a father, a friend, and a devoted child of God. “We shared a deep interest in music,” he noted. “Pa Esho was not only a mentor to many Highlife enthusiasts but also an ‘encyclopedia’ of music.”
Dr. Olukoya concluded his tribute by acknowledging the lasting impact of Pa Esho’s life and work. “The purpose of life is to be useful, honorable, and compassionate—to make a difference that you have lived well,” he said. “Pa Esho will always be remembered for his outstanding contributions to national and global development, as well as his enduring legacy.”
He ended with a prayer for the late music icon, “May his soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.”
