Veteran broadcaster, music journalist and cultural historian Pa Benson Idonije has been celebrated ahead of his 90th birthday, with family members, music stars, broadcasters and admirers gathering in Lagos to honour his contributions to Nigerian music and media.

The event, held on Sunday, highlighted Idonije’s role in documenting Nigeria’s music history and his influence on generations of artistes, from Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti to Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy.

Born on June 13, 1936, in Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Idonije began writing about jazz music in 1953 before joining the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in 1957. He later became one of the pioneering figures of Radio Nigeria 2, now Metro FM, where he helped shape music broadcasting in Nigeria.

One of his most significant contributions came in 1963 when he met Fela Ransome-Kuti at the NBC studios and became the first manager of his band, Koola Lobitos. Idonije played a key role in supporting the musical experimentation that later evolved into Afrobeat.

He later chronicled the experience in his memoir, Dis Fela Sef: The Legend(s) Untold, widely regarded as one of the most authoritative accounts of Fela’s life and career.

Today, Idonije’s influence extends across generations as the father of talent manager Bose Ogulu and grandfather of Burna Boy, linking the origins of Afrobeat to the global rise of contemporary Afrobeats.

Speaking at the celebration, Burna Boy described his grandfather as his hero and one of the greatest influences in his life.

The singer praised Idonije’s legacy and expressed gratitude for his impact, describing him as “the greatest man in the world” and thanking him for the role he has played in shaping his journey.

The tribute drew applause from guests and became one of the highlights of the event, with Burna Boy making a rare appearance at a social gathering to honour his grandfather.

In her remarks, Bose Ogulu reflected on the values her father instilled in her, crediting him for building her confidence and shaping her character through integrity, discipline and encouragement.

She described Idonije as a scholar of music, a mentor and a trainer whose influence has touched generations of broadcasters and media professionals across Nigeria.

Bose also noted that her father’s commitment to pan-African ideals and his personal example had guided her throughout her life and career.

Other family members, including Ronami Ogulu and Nissi Ogulu, joined in celebrating the nonagenarian’s legacy.

Reflecting on the state of Nigerian music, Idonije expressed confidence in the current generation of artistes, saying Nigerian musicians have mastered their craft and continue to strengthen the country’s position as a global force in Afrobeats.

He praised the achievements of contemporary Nigerian artistes, stating that the country now produces some of the best Afrobeats musicians in the world.

However, the veteran broadcaster expressed concern about Nigeria’s overall development, saying he hoped conditions in the country would improve.

The celebration attracted several prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Phyno, Dayo Adeneye, Segun Arinze, Rahman Jago, Ronami Ogulu and Nissi Ogulu.

Guests were also treated to live performances by Yinka Davies, Gloria Ibru, Dele Mabiaku and the Kala Band, creating an atmosphere that blended jazz, Afrobeat and celebration.

The event featured tributes, musical performances, a cake-cutting ceremony and an after-party, reflecting the impact of a man whose career has spanned nearly seven decades in music, broadcasting and cultural preservation.

Widely regarded as a living archive of Nigerian music, Pa Benson Idonije remains one of the key figures who helped document the country’s musical evolution, from the era of jazz and highlife to the emergence of Afrobeat and the global success of Afrobeats.