Six years ago, shortly after the passing of Nigerian reggae icon Majek Fashek, I wrote an article, titled Top 10 Majek Fashek tribute mix and worked with my dear friend DJ Ray Bee Browne to create the accompanying playlist.
Revisiting it today is emotional for another reason: DJ Browne, born Bola Aiyetigbo passed away last year, and many of us are still reeling from his loss. We had a special creative partnership forged long before, but during the COVID-19 lockdowns became a virtual collaboration that still rings.
At a time when much of the world had slowed down, DJ Bee and I collaborated on a series of playlists, Lockdown Naija Top 2o, Orlando Julius, All Africa Top 20 and many others were featured. I selected the music, and he worked his magic behind the decks, seamlessly mixing the tracks into journeys that reflected our shared love of great music and storytelling. This Majek Fashek tribute playlist was one of those projects.
The original Mixcloud tribute was selected by Eyes of a Lagos Boy and mixed by DJ Browne. As I revisit this story six years later, I am also adding a new Spotify playlist for the new generation and longtime fans.
Majek Fashek influenced generations with his music, style, and uncompromising spirit. Since bursting onto the scene in 1988 with his landmark debut album, Prisoner of Conscience, he became one of Africa’s most distinctive musical voices. His songs carried messages of love, justice, African pride, and spiritual consciousness, earning him devoted fans across the continent and beyond.
When Majek passed away on 1 June 2020 in New York, there was an outpouring of grief, memories, and tributes from fans, friends, and fellow musicians. Whatever people may say about the man, his contribution to Nigerian and African music remains undeniable. His genius helped create a movement that inspired generations to think, question, and take pride in their identity.
This story is therefore a tribute to two remarkable men: Majek Fashek, whose music continues to inspire, and DJ Ray Bee Browne, whose passion for sharing music helped bring this tribute to life.
Enjoy the music, remember them both, and let the songs keep playing. These songs will outlive us.
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