The Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF) is proud to announce a landmark cultural event: the “Jams & Vibes Session – Prelude to 90,” a special tribute in honor of the legendary broadcaster, music critic, and cultural icon, Benson Idonije, as he approaches his 90th birthday on June 13 2026.
The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, at the Bature Brewery, Victoria Island, Lagos. This special edition of the LIJF will fete a man whose lifelong dedication to the arts has profoundly shaped Nigeria’s musical identity for over seven decades.
A Legacy Spanning Three Generations
Widely regarded as Nigeria’s foremost music historian, Benson Idonije holds a permanent place in the global pantheon of music.
He was the foundational manager for Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, playing a pivotal role in the early development of Afrobeat during the Koola Lobitos era.
His influence remains remarkably contemporary; as the maternal grandfather of global superstar Burna Boy, Idonije represents the direct lineage between the roots of Afrobeat and the modern Afrobeats phenomenon currently dominating global charts.
Broadcasting and the Written Word
Beyond his artist management, Idonije’s legacy is etched into the airwaves. During his distinguished career at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), he was the voice that introduced generations of Nigerians to the intricacies of Jazz and Highlife.
He is also the author of the seminal biography, Dis Fela Sef: The Legend(s) Untold, considered the most authoritative insider account of Fela Kuti’s life and artistic philosophy.
The Event: Jams & Vibes Session
The Prelude to 90 will feature a curated lineup of live performances spanning Jazz, Highlife, and Afrobeats.
The evening will blend music with “storytelling sessions,” reflecting on the evolution of the Nigerian soundscape. Highlights of the night will include:
• Live Sets: From veteran jazzists to contemporary Afro-fusion artists.
• Literary Spotlight: A public reintroduction and reading of Dis Fela Sef.
• Legacy Tribute: Insights into Idonije’s mentorship and his role in the “Burna Boy” global ascent.
A Word from the Festival Director
Ayoola Sadare (aka Shaddie Bobo), Founder and Director of the Lagos International Jazz Festival, noted the personal weight of this celebration: “Benson Idonije is more than a legend; he is a mentor and the patriarch of the Lagos International Jazz Festival. Having celebrated his 80th birthday with him, it is a profound honor to do so again at 90. This event celebrates continuity. From Fela to Burna, Benson has been the steady heartbeat behind the scenes. We are honoring a man whose vision helped define the sound of a nation.”
Supporting Partners
The event is bolstered by a coalition of Nigeria’s leading creative and cultural organizations, including:
• Naijazz & Showbiz Africa
• Committee for Relevant Art (CORA)
• Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF)
• Culture Advocates Caucus & Culture Dispatch
• WATZUP TV
The Lagos International Jazz Festival produced by leading Creative Enterprise Development Company Inspiro Productions remains dedicated to its mission: Celebrating excellence, preserving heritage, and connecting generations through the universal language of sound.
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