Even though she does not look a day older than 40, the poster girl of Juju music, Queen Ayo Balogun, took the wind out of her fans’ sail when she announced that she would turn 60 Sunday, December 10. The day would not go without fanfare, an art she has mastered over the past three decades and counting. Already, preparations have reached fever pitch among her deep-pocket fans and members of the Association of Juju Musicians of Nigeria, AJUMN, which she presides over.
Those who have got the invites have equally got the Ankara aso-ebi for the day. Veteran Miliki exponent, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, would be on the bandstand while King Sunny Ade is expected to also feature prominently. Queen Ayo Balogun was quoted in a tabloid interview as saying, “Yes, I will be clocking 60 on Sunday, December 10, 2017. That same day, we will roll out the drums. Everything concerning the celebration is being perfected already. But first, there will be thanksgiving in my church before leaving for the reception which will hold somewhere on the Island. A lot of activities are lined up already, including a concert by all Juju artistes, and visit to some orphanages where we identify with the needy which is a very important part of the celebration.”
Until recently, Queen Ayo Balogun was the toast of many big boys on the Island where she had an every Friday gig at the defunct Elays, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. She is still in hot demand among juju music lovers considering that the forbears like KSA and Obey are in the twilight their illustrious careers. Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, she holds a Diploma in Music from the London Royal School of Music.
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