Five years after his passing, the legendary Nigerian reggae musician Majek Fashek was honoured at the inaugural Majek Fashek Trailblazer Annual Symposium on June 1, 2025, to commemorate his life, music, and enduring influence. The virtual event, organised by Nostalgiamedia and The WaZoBia+ Centre Canada, and featured participation and contributions by a coalition of family members, friends, and music industry veterans, offered an emotional yet forward-looking reflection on the stardom, struggles, and legacy of the man once called the “Rainmaker.”
Themed around the challenges and contradictions of fame in the African context, the symposium featured tributes, personal stories, and a series of panel discussions that not only celebrated Majek’s musical genius but also interrogated the deeper issues he faced—ranging from mental health and family strife to the often harsh realities of celebrity life.
Convener Dr Richie Adewusi delivered a powerful homage to Majek Fashek, describing him as “a giver, a prophet, and a musician whose music was a message.” He noted that Majek’s journey – from his meteoric rise to international acclaim with Send Down The Rain to his tragic unravelling – mirrored the turbulent lives of many African creatives who rise too fast, often without the support systems needed to survive the pressures of fame.
Majek’s cousin, Amos Mcroy Osifo, offered a deeply personal perspective, describing how Majek knew his life’s purpose from childhood. However, fame brought complications. “His generosity became his vulnerability,” Osifo recalled, noting that many exploited the late musician’s kind-hearted nature. He also touched on the internal conflicts within the family that plagued Majek’s career and well-being.
Musician and close friend Black Rice, a founding member of the iconic JAHSTIX Band, revealed how he met Majek in 1982 and gave him the now-famous name “Majek Fashek.” He recounted their early musical adventures, his bond with Majek’s strict mother, and their eventual reunion in Lagos. His stories painted a picture of a restless artist constantly searching for peace and expression.
Speakers, including Sami Samyama and filmmaker Charles Novia, reminisced about Majek’s musical journey. Samyama recalled their early 1980s gigs and his awe at Majek’s raw talent. Novia, who produced Majek’s 2005 comeback album Little Patience, recounted their collaboration, the commercial and structural challenges in the music industry, and Majek’s ominous premonitions. “He told me his music would reach the ends of the earth before he died,” Novia recalled, “and it did.”
A heartfelt tribute by Ken-Calebs Olumese, read by Osayuki Idehen, remembered Majek as “a phenomenon and troubled genius” who fused reggae, rock, and African mysticism. In the “Elders Who Spoke” segment, Seun Solanke, son of the late dramatist Jimi Solanke, paid tribute on behalf of his father, drawing parallels between Majek’s plight and that of other cultural icons neglected after their prime.
A critical theme of the symposium was the mental health crisis among artists. Media scholar Dr Tony Onyima gave a stirring analysis of the “paradox of fame”—how it builds up and breaks down. He outlined five reasons artists often unravel: isolation, identity crises, and exploitation. He proposed six concrete actions to improve artists’ welfare: institutional support, mental health advocacy, and copyright protections.
The closing session turned toward legacy-building and the future. Plans include:
- A JAHSTIX Foundation and memorial site in Benin City, spearheaded by Black Rice;
- AI-generated interpretations of Majek’s music videos, including Send Down The Rain, to engage younger audiences;
- Possible remixes and reinterpretations of Majek’s catalogue in collaboration with Tabansi Records and emerging artists;
- Creation of a Technical Advisory Board to shape future symposiums and initiatives;
- Publication of the symposium proceedings, including Dede Mabiaku’s reviews of Dr. Richie Adewusi’s two books on Majek Fashek, Majek Fashek:TRAILBLAZER!, and PROMISE KEPT: MY FRIEND MAJEK FASHEK AND I.
- Organisation of the 2026 symposium edition, themed “Religion Na Politics,” examining how religious and political institutions shape African societies.
As the session drew close, Dr Adewusi reminded attendees that remembering Majek Fashek is not about nostalgia alone but about inspiring resilience in the next generation. “Majek’s fire was not just in his voice,” he said. “It was in his vision—for Africa, music, and justice. We must preserve that fire, not just the flame.”
The Majek Fashek Trailblazer Annual Symposium is now set to become a fixture in Nigeria’s cultural calendar, ensuring that the life and lessons of one of Africa’s most enigmatic artists continue to inspire long after the last note has faded.
