By Debo Popoola
After heavy rainstorm comes the sun to brighten the day and dry the wet land; Majek Fashek’s sun disk gradually wheels to clarity from the thickness of the firmament. The reggae legend had had the worst of life in past years, he had fallen from the height of sublime to the leveled ground of the ridiculous; he had tasted penury and worn poverty like a garment. Those who knew him early last year saw in him a hero that had lost his pride as he wandered from street to street before he could meet his needs. But heavens rained down on him and succor found him like a lost child finding a home.
Majek Fashek is unarguably one of the best reggae musicians in the continent, but addiction to drugs and alcohol ensured that he never maintained the status of a admired global legend. He squandered his fortunes on frivolities and he ALMOST ended up in the abyss of obscurity.
The sun is gradually setting again for the legend after completing his rehabilitation program sponsored by some well-meaning Nigerians who decided to fan to flame the legend’s dying ember of creativity. Majek Fashek may be re-experiencing the life he lost years ago, life free of drugs and alcohol, life with family and friends and loved ones. Once deserted to solely carry his cross but now, he can be associated with. Recently, picture of him marrying with his nieces and nephews went viral. These nieces and nephews would probably not have wanted to be associated with him during his trial times, but no one wants to be associated with mediocritt.
It is a good news for Nigeria that one of her greatest gifts to the world is bouncing back like a ram that draws back to gather momentum in a head battle. Majek had hinted that his gong has been refreshed with sweet water from Mara; very soon, beautiful philosophical tunes loaded with message of hope and liberty for the masses – who are always his targeted audience – will soon hit the airwave.
Unlike many contemporary Nigerian musicians whose music ache the earlobes with their cacophonous babble and gabble, Majek Fashek presents alternative that draws listeners beyond the realm of physical to the perfect lush of meditativeness. His music does not only inspire, it triggers to take action, and it pushes to take a stand, a stand against oppression and subjection of the mind by the oppressors.
No doubt, any drop by Majek will not only serve as neutralizer but a seed of hope for those who think all is lost for them, the song will surely portray a message from his life.
