Majek Fashek facts for kids

Majekodunmi Fasheke, known as Majek Fashek, was a famous Nigerian singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was born in March 1963 and passed away on June 1, 2020. People also called him The Rainmaker.

His 1988 album, Prisoner of Conscience, featured a very popular song called "Send Down the Rain". This song helped him win six PMAN Music Awards. Majek Fashek worked with many well-known artists around the world. These included Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and Beyoncé.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Majek Fashek was born in Benin City in 1963. His mother was from the Edo group, and his father was from Ijesha. Majek mostly felt connected to his Benin roots. His name, Fasheke, means "Ifa does not lie/deceive". This refers to Ifa, a deity (god) in the Yoruba religion.

After his parents separated, Majek stayed in Benin City with his mother. He joined the choir at his local Aladura church. There, he learned to play the trumpet and guitar. He also started writing songs for the choir.

Majek Fashek's Musical Journey

Starting with Jastix in the 80s

In the early 1980s, Majek Fashek was known as Rajesh Kanal. He joined a music group called Jastix. His bandmates were Amos McRoy Gregg and Black Rice. The group became popular as the house band for the Music Panorama show on NTA Benin. They also toured with another reggae group called The Mandators. Jastix also played music for a rising reggae singer named Edi Rasta. She later became known as Evi-Edna Ogholi.

Solo Success: Prisoner of Conscience

In 1987, the Jastix group broke up. Majek Fashek, now using his famous name, signed with Tabansi Records. He began his solo music career. His first album, Prisoner of Conscience, made him Nigeria's top reggae artist. The song "Send Down The Rain" became the most popular song that year.

In 1989, he won six PMAN awards. These awards included "Song of the Year" and "Album of the Year". He also won "Reggae Artist of the Year". His next album, I&I Experience, came out in late 1989. It featured an anti-apartheid song called "Free Africa, Free Mandela".

Reaching the World: So Long Too Long

After leaving Tabansi Records, Majek Fashek signed with CBS Nigeria. This was in the early 1990s. He then released the album So Long Too Long. This album was also part of Putumayo World Music's first collection.

In 1990, he signed with Interscope Records. He released the album Spirit Of Love. This album was produced by "Little Steven" Van Zandt. In 1992, Majek Fashek appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. He performed his song "So Long Too Long" for the TV audience.

Flame Tree released The Best of Majek Fashek in 1994. Later, he moved to Mango, a part of Island Records. This label was good at selling reggae music worldwide. His first album with them included a cover of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song". He recorded several more albums for different labels. These included Rainmaker for Tuff Gong (1997) and Little Patience for Coral (2004).

Majek Fashek's Unique Music Style

Majek Fashek was influenced by artists like Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, and Fela Kuti. His voice sounded a lot like Bob Marley's. He was one of the first Nigerian artists to be drawn to Caribbean music, especially reggae.

He often mixed reggae with other Nigerian music styles. He created his own unique sound called kpangolo. His song "My Guitar" was a tribute to his favorite instrument. This song was strongly influenced by rock.

Other Creative Works

Majek Fashek also appeared in other projects. In 2000, he had a supporting role in the Nollywood movie Mark of the Beast. He also starred in a commercial for a drink called Diamalt. In 2016, he performed for over 10,000 people. This was at a comedy show in Lagos, Nigeria.

In November 2016, Majek Fashek contributed a song called "We Are Not Afraid". This song was part of a video directed by Kevin Godley. The video featured over 200 celebrities. It helped raise money for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Personal Life

Majek Fashek was married to Rita Fashek. She was the inspiration for his song "Without You". They had four children together.

His Passing

In September 2019, there were rumors that Majek Fashek had passed away. However, his manager said these rumors were not true. He confirmed that Majek Fashek was very unwell and in the hospital in the UK. He needed help with his medical costs. A kind businessman, Femi Otedola, promised to pay for all his medical expenses.

Majek Fashek passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 1, 2020. He was 57 years old. He had been sick with esophageal cancer. He died in New York City.

Majek Fashek's Albums

Studio Albums

See also

• African reggae
• Music of Nigeria
• Nigerian reggae