Burna Boy’s grandfather Benson Idonije marks his 90th birthday in Lagos, as family celebrate the veteran broadcaster’s remarkable legacy
Afrobeats star Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, alongside family members, is set to join veteran broadcaster and music critic Benson Idonije in Lagos on Sunday, June 13, 2026, for a celebratory event marking his 90th birthday, ahead of the official milestone date.
Benson Idonije, a respected Nigerian music journalist and former broadcaster, has been widely recognised for his influential role in shaping music journalism in the country.
The event is expected to draw close family members and associates in honour of his long-standing contributions to broadcasting and cultural documentation.
Idonije, born on June 13, 1936, in Otua, Edo State, began his career in the 1950s and later became one of the pioneering voices at Radio Nigeria 2, now known as Metro FM.
His early work in jazz commentary and music criticism positioned him as a foundational figure in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.
A significant chapter in his career included his close professional relationship with Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, whom he managed during the early Koola Lobitos era between 1963 and the early 1970s.
His deep understanding of jazz and highlife music influenced the formative sound that later developed into Afrobeat.
Idonije also documented his experiences in the book Dis Fela Sef: The Untold Legends of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, further cementing his reputation as a key chronicler of Nigerian music history.
His contributions to journalism earned him recognition, including a Lifetime Award for Journalism Excellence from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
Beyond his professional legacy, Idonije’s family ties connect him closely to contemporary Afrobeats.
He is the father of Bose Ogulu, Burna Boy’s mother and manager, and has remained a quiet but influential presence in the singer’s musical journey. In 2021, Burna Boy’s Grammy success was notably preceded by Idonije’s public prediction of the win.
The Lagos celebration is expected to reflect both appreciation and reflection on a career that has spanned over seven decades, with Idonije widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential early music broadcasters.
His legacy continues to be seen as a bridge between early Nigerian popular music and the global rise of Afrobeats.
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