Artiste, Father U-turn, dies at 36

Several musicians, including Daddy Showkey and Alariwo of Afrika, have expressed shock at the death of dancehall musician, Olufemi Mayomi, popularly called Father U-Turn.

Although some reports suggested that the artiste died of kidney-related complications,  a statement by the Publisher of Nigerian Entertainment News Today, Ayeni Adekunle, indicated that Father U-Turn died after a brief illness.

The Kaba-Bunu, Kogi- State-born artiste, who made waves in the 1990s, was 36.

Father U-Turn shot into limelight after releasing a song titled ‘Yetunde,’ in which he featured popular fuji act, Pasuma Wonder.

He was also respected for other hit songs like ‘African Culture’ and ‘Shakara’.

Reacting to news of the death, Showkey said in a telephone interview that he never knew Father U-Turn was ill.

The artiste, who was on his way to a show said, “I did not know that Father U-Turn is dead. I did not even know that he was sick. This is a surprise to me. Oh, my God. I can’t even say anything now. He was a good musician.”

Also, Alariwo described the development as a sad one.

According to him, what makes it shocking and more painful is the fact that many of the colleagues of the deceased were not aware that he was sick.

Alariwo added, “When I heard the sad news, I had to ask if it was really true. They said he had kidney problems. If we were aware, we would have been able to rally round and contributed our own quota to get him back to his feet. May his soul rest in peace.”

He described Father U-Turn as a musician who was unique in his own way.

“He fused raga with highlife and fuji. He was the first dancehall artiste to feature Pasuma Wonder. His music was very commercial.”

Also in a telephone chat with our correspondent, juju act, Dele Taiwo, said the news of Father U Turn’s death was unbelievable.

Saying that he would also be remembered for his exploits in galala dance, Taiwo added, “How could something like that happen to one of us without anyone knowing about it? It is so sad.”

Another contemporary of the deceased, Friday Igwe, otherwise called Baba Fryo, described Father U-Turn as a friendly person.

He said, “I’m so sad because he was my good friend. May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

PUNCH