Legendary musician Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi has announced the passing of one of the founding members of his band, Pa Sabitiu Ayinla Fasasi, also known as Vasco Dagama.
According to Obey, Pa Fasasi passed away at his residence last Tuesday morning at the age of 90.
He had already been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
Expressing his grief, Obey, in a telephone conversation with Per Second News, described Vasco Dagama as an essential part of his music career.
In 1957, at the age of 15, he formed his first band, ‘Ebenezer Obey and His Royal Mambo Orchestra,’ under the leadership of his late brother Jimoh Akinwande, before joining the Inter-Reformers Band.
“Vasco Dagama was a great senior brother to me. I have lost a great brother, and I believe he has gone to rest with his Creator. He was my die-hard fan and a promoter.
“He later became one of my band members from the time I met the late Baba Abengo Mayana, Omo Bambose of Lagos, and the late Akinbomi Salvage of the Inter-Reformers band.
“We had a close bond. He hails from Idogo and Iro towns in Ogun State. We even attended the same school, Idogo Methodist Primary School. He was one of my vocalists, and I usually called him Alagba Vasco Dagama because he was eight years older than me,” Obey shared.
Recalling his last conversation with Dagama, Obey mentioned that they had spoken a few days ago, and Vasco Dagama was doing well until he suddenly lost the ability to speak.
Obey expressed his deep sense of loss, saying, “Vasco Dagama was very special to me, and I have so much respect for him. I call him, Ogunlade, and Salau Awe ‘Obey Plus Three,’ as they were founding members of my band. When Salau Awe left to join the army, others came in, and then he (Vasco Dagama) became one of my vocalists.”
Obey also sympathised with Dagama’s family, while he prayed for strength to bear the great loss.
He noted that the family would provide further details about arrangements to honour Vasco Dagama with a befitting burial.
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