Family, friends, musical artists and legends, as well as admirers, have gathered in Lagos in a colourful celebration of the 90th birthday of Pa Benson Idonije, the grandfather of Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy.
The red carpet shimmered with elegance as guests arrived in style, but beyond the glitz and glamour is a deeper story — one that connects generations of African music greatness, from the era of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti to the global dominance of Burna Boy.
Pa Idonije, a respected music critic, former broadcaster and former manager of Fela, occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s cultural history.
ThGrammy Award-winning grandson, Burna Boy paid glowing tribute to the nonagenarian, describing him as a man to whom he would remain forever indebted.
The event was more than a milestone birthday celebration; it was a recognition of a man whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s music landscape across generations.
The occasion blended glamour with history as guests graced the red carpet in dazzling fashion.
Yet beyond the glitz was a powerful narrative linking the roots of Afrobeat to its modern global success.
Pa Idonije’s close association with Fela and his role in chronicling and promoting Nigerian music have made him a significant figure in the story of Afrobeat’s evolution.
For many attendees, the celebration underscored a remarkable musical lineage.
As Burna Boy continues to fly Nigeria’s flag on the world stage, his tribute highlighted the enduring influence of a grandfather whose guidance and wisdom helped inspire one of Africa’s biggest music stars.
The gathering served as a reminder of the historic bridge between Fela’s revolutionary era and Burna Boy’s global dominance, with Pa Benson Idonije standing proudly at the centre of that connection.Read also:
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