King of Juju Music, Sunny Ade, on Wednesday described late comedian, Moses Adejumo, popularly known as ”Baba Sala”, as a man of wisdom and intellect.
King Sunny Ade spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos at a symposium organised in honor of Baba Sala, tagged, ”The Role of a Stage Play in Nascent Democracy.”
NAN recalls that Sunny Ade was the lead guitarist in Late Olaiya’s former music band in the 1960s before the deceased went into comedy.
”He was like a father to me. He was very loving and considerate.
”I was privileged to have worked closely with him as a guitar player when the Federal Rhythm Dandies was running.
“He guided me through the path which I now walk today,” Sunny Ade said.
Speaking at the symposium, a film producer and director, Tunji Bamishigbin, said that theatre had been an all encompassing means of communication since the time of Greek plays.
“The government should use theatre to pass their messages across as it is a language understood by the masses.
”Theatrical plays can be used to reach citizens before, during and after elections because it reflects the society as it really is,” he said.
Also speaking on the theme, Professor of Theatre Arts, Bakare Ojo, said that for a nascent democracy to fulfill its potential for growth, it must be deliberately nurtured.
”It is in the connection of creating a better democracy that theatre becomes relevant.
“Drama has always sought to positively impact the government.
”It can be used as a tool of communication and negotiation between the government and the people,” he said.
He added that because the impact of theatrical performances on the audience was always immediate and spontaneous, it would serve as a great means of making democracy better.
Paying tributes to the late Adejumo, some of his colleagues described him as a man who was unique in thinking and doing.
Veteran actor, Olatunbosun Odunsi, described the deceased as a man of the people who was God-fearing and made his job utmost priority.
”He was different in a unique way, very accommodating and wise and I don’t think we can ever have any other like him.”
Similarly, veteran actor, Lere Paimo, said that he was a very truthful man who lived life according to the principles of God.
”It’s sad that death took him at this time. He was a man of good character.
”He set the pace for a lot of other comedians and his works will never be forgotten,” he said.
NAN reports that there were cultural performances by Lagos State Arts Council, Ogun State Arts Council, Crown Troupe of Africa and Drumview Concept, among others. (NAN)