Unpretentious, reserved, meek, disciplined, and gentlemanly are words that best describe him.
He breathes music, and his passion for music is second to none. He is still the mind behind Evergreen Songs of the Originals, for which he received a platinum disc award and the Best Producer of the Year award in 1991.
Together with Beckley Jones and Mike Odumosu, they formed the popular Nigerian music group BLO in 1972. The group, which reigned for about a decade, fused the Afro sound with Funk and Western Rock sounds, resulting in a completely unique sound that defined the entire spectrum of black music.
Laolu Akins and the Lijadu sisters were members of the Afro Collection Band led by Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli the popular and highly respected Nigerian flutist. The band was a resident band in Batakoto, Lagos.
Laolu Akins’s life changed in a big way when the famous world drummer Ginger Baker came to Nigeria. When Ginger Baker met and watched Laolu Akins’s performance at BATAKOTO, in no time he formed the group SALT, comprising Laolu Akins, Taiwo Lijadu, Tunde Kuboye, and Berkeley Jones.
The group toured Germany, Canada, the United States, and England before they returned to Nigeria.
His Evergreen Contributions
Laolu Akins produced Ace and Shinamania by Shina Peters in 1989 and 1990 respectively.
He produced Bubble and Mr. Johnson, play for me by Adewale Ayuba in 1991 and 1992 respectively.
He produced Mike Okri’s debut LP Concert Fever in 1989 with popular songs like Omoge and Time Na Money
He led the drum percussion of Kris Okotie’s song I need someone
These songs without a doubt changed the Nigerian local vibe towards global acceptance and became the authentic beats of the future.
Laolu Akins’s deep knowledge of sound is legendary and worthy of study. From Afrojuju, To Fuji, To R n B to Afrorock , etc.
Happy birthday to the Star behind the Stars!
- Bimbo Esho is the Managing Director, Evergreen Musical Company
