Rather than mourn the loss, we’re celebrating his immortal legacy with a list of our 5 most iconic songs and performances in an iconic career.
Majek Fashek – So long – Live on the David Letterman Show (1992)
Long before the evolution of Nigerian stars Wizkid, Burna Boy etc. into international superstars, pioneers like Majek Fashek had laid the foundations and pushed the Nigerian entertainment scene into the limelight. There are countless other iconic Majek Fashek performances but this appearance on the Letterman show 28 years ago in 1992 (his first ever on American Television) proves the scope and range of his iconic legacy.
Send Down the Rain
Perhaps his most popular song, this timeless classic off his debut album “Prisoner of Conscience,” propelled Fashek aka “The Rainmaker” into stardom. The song has transcended generations and even 33 years later the song still feels completely timely especially with the 2020 we’re having.
Holy Spirit
The truest hallmark of the most iconic reggae songs over the years is that they aren’t just fun to listen to, they feel like a religious experience. A perfect example is Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”. Just like Bob Marley, Majek Fashek and his music has that effect on his listeners as well and his song “Holy Spirit” of his album Spirit of Love captures that energy perfectly. Majek isn’t just singing a song to you, it feels like a prayer for the world.
I Come From de Ghetto
Every Superhero needs an origin story and in “I Come From de Ghetto” Majek gives us a look behind the scenes at what influenced and shaped him into becoming the icon that lives on.
Free Africa Free Mandela
Reggae is the genre of activism and Majek Fashek channelled that energy in his song “Free Africa Free Mandela” where he sings for the independence of the black man. The song pleaded with Babangida to free Nigeria, it begged the colonial masters to free Africa and begged for the freedom of Mandela who had been in jail for 27 years “for the sake of Africa”.
RIP Majek
