Father U Turn Dies at 36, Buried In Badagry

 

After a long battle with a kidney-related disease, popular 90s musician Olufemi Mayomi better known as Father U Turn passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2013.

A family member confirmed he had been in and out of hospital for many weeks. He had been on admission at the last hospital for 10 days before he passed on.

The dancehall artiste who died at a local hospital ‘Abundant Grace’, located at Ajangbadi bus stop, Ojo, Lagos was just 36-years-old. He was buried the same day at the Badagry Cemetery.

The dancehall artiste who rose from poverty as an orphan, built a successful career as a songwriter, recording artiste, TV presenter and performer.

The late U Turn was from Kabba-Bunu in Kogi State where he first tried his hands on entertainment, working as a radio and TV presenter.

He had a brief stint at NTA in Lagos, after relocating here, before signing a deal with Ultima Records which released his early albums.

He was a little boy, with braids and a charming personality. And his signature intro ‘Apoola Berekete‘ was far beyond his stature. But he got the industry’s attention and got a leg in the door before long.  After years of club tours and free gigs, he got his first break when he was signed to one of the biggest record labels of the time, Ultima Records.

Ultima engaged Nelson Brown to work on his first album which proved to be a huge success. The hits ‘African Culture‘ and ‘Shakara‘ threw him into national limelight, instantly putting him in the league of bonafide ghetto stars like Daddy Showkey and Daddy Fresh.

His first album was ‘African Culture. His second album ‘Padlock Ur Mouth‘ produced the smash hit ‘Yetunde‘ a collaboration with Pasuma Wonder.

Although his later years were troubled by label issues with Bayowa Music, and career challenges that came with unsuccessful albums, Father U Turn remained dedicated to his art – recording endlessly and refusing to let go of his passion and dedication to reggae/dancehall. He also vehemently refused to relocate from Okokomaiko, despite constant pleas from friends and family.

He is survived by his siblings, wife Ajimoh and five children.

MAY HIS SOUL R.I.P

-NET