Lagos came alive with music, nostalgia and celebration as family members, entertainment figures and cultural icons gathered to honour Pa Benson Idonijie on his 90th birthday.
The colourful event brought together generations of Nigerian music royalty, highlighting the remarkable legacy of a man whose influence spans decades of the country’s entertainment industry.
Among the notable guests was Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Burna Boy, who joined relatives, friends and admirers in celebrating his grandfather’s milestone birthday.
Pa Idonijie is widely respected as a veteran broadcaster, music critic and one-time manager of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. His contributions to Nigeria’s music landscape have earned him a special place in the nation’s cultural history.
The celebration showcased the deep connection between Nigeria’s musical past and present, with many attendees reflecting on Idonijie’s role in shaping conversations around African music and talent development.
Guests arrived in elegant fashion as the event blended glamour with tributes to a life dedicated to broadcasting, music criticism and cultural preservation.
Burna Boy’s mother and several family members were also present, while entertainment veterans and industry stakeholders joined the festivities.
Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh, was among the dignitaries who attended the celebration, alongside renowned personalities from the media and music sectors.
Also spotted at the event was Yeni Kuti, daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, underscoring the enduring relationship between the Idonijie and Kuti families.
Live musical performances added energy to the occasion as guests celebrated the nonagenarian’s achievements and lasting impact on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
For many attendees, the event was more than a birthday celebration. It was a tribute to a man whose career helped bridge the era of Fela’s Afrobeat revolution and the global success of modern Afrobeats stars like Burna Boy.
As tributes poured in, guests described Pa Benson Idonijie as a cultural custodian whose influence continues to resonate across generations of African music.
