About Lagbaja: The Man Behind the Mask

Bisade Ologunde also known as “Lagbaja,” meaning anonymous or face less one in Yoruba as he embarked on his musical carrier in the early 90’s. His name was reflected in his choice of stage attire a slitted textile and rubber mask adopted so that the artist represented the “common man” is keeping with the car nival traditional of his Yoruba tribe.
He formed his first small band in 1991 in Lagos after he had taught himself to play the saxophone with a high quotient of percussion instruments, including congas and tacking drums . this drew its principal inspiration from the traditional highlife music of the Igbos as well as western Jazz. Members of the band included Sunny of (Ikebe) Fame and Yinka Davis. Their debut album was titled colour of Rhythm released in 1992.
The album confused Entertainment journalists as they were at a loss to clarify the genre of music played by the Oyo State born masked saxophonist. They later went ahead to clarify it as “Higher Life”. A further cassette followed in 1994, a self titled collection, LAGBAJA.
Included songs such as “Nija most sweet again” which many look to be an attack on Nigeria’s Military rulers.
Lagbaja shook the Nigerian music scene then with songs like side by side” featuring Yinka Davies,” Ikiras a medly of praise songs.
The Cherubini and Saraphim kind in Yoruba, “sweet mouth” ‘campus’, Oyin Memo among others. The lyrics focus on issues relating to democracy and fairness in society.
The masked musicians 1996 recording of “Cestune African Thong topped Nigeria’s chart with hits like “Cool Temper” and “bad leadership” this remix of KWAM is Baby show colour  Re was arguably better than the real thing and his blend of English and Yoruba done in R and B made music lovers take him seriously.
Generally, Lagbaja’s music blends Jazz, Afro beat, highlife, juju, Funk and traditional Yoruba music using horns, quitters and key boards along with traditional Yoruba music, sometimes the music is purely instrumental.
Also in 1996, Lagbaja was part of the international Red Cross sponsored campaign called “Music goes to war” that aimed to draw war attention to the plight of child attention and child soldiers in war torn countries in Africa.
He joined papa Wemba Lucky Dube Youssou N’Dour, Lourdes Yabu Dour, Lourades Van-Dunem, Yabu Dumem and Jabu Khanyile to meet people in major African trouble spots including South Sudan, Angola and Liberia culminating in a concert in Paris and a CDWAS recorded too.
Lagbaja won six national Nigerian music Awards is 2001, including Artiste of the year, producer of the year and album of the year. This first international album.
“We Before Me” was released in 2001, He toured USA for the first time the same year.
He has also embarked on more international shows in Ghana, France, Brazil, Britain etc.
He and his 12-manband performed on the African stage at the BBC Music Live festival over the Golden jubilee celebrations at Londons Hyde park in summer 2002.
To show that he is a musician of world class standard his “We me and Abami” album released years ago, is still ruling the airwaves today. The album contains hits such as Gra Gra, “Konko Below”.
Inspired by a statement made by president Olusegun Obasanjo during his political campaign “Prayers for the youths” (which had late Bola Ige doing the prayer).
Feyin E, “put an well” “Nothing for you” Suuru Lere”, Agidigbo etc.
His 1996 hit single Nigeria Loko Iyawon” written as soon as the under 23 dream Kam won the Olympic gold in Atlanta ??? and released in a couple of days hours is another testimony of his dexterity Lagbaja is definitely one of Africa’s most exciting contemporary artistes whose elaborate masks and stage costumers link him to the ancient tradition of Egungun ancestral masqueraded spirits who heep guide the people towards truths and peace.
His exploits in the Nigerian and Global music industry continues without bund it is therefore time for the world to situp and take notice of Lagbada the masked musicians and his captivating music.