Prominent figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry, family members, friends and admirers gathered in Lagos on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of veteran music critic and broadcaster Pa Benson Idonije, grandfather of Grammy-winning Afrofusion star Burna Boy.
The colourful event brought together generations of music lovers and industry stakeholders in a tribute to a man widely regarded as one of the influential voices in the history of Nigerian music.
Guests arrived in elegant fashion as the celebration transformed into a reflection on Pa Idonije’s remarkable contributions to broadcasting, music journalism and artist development.
The atmosphere blended glamour with nostalgia, highlighting a career that spans decades and connects some of the biggest names in African music.
Beyond being known as Burna Boy’s grandfather, Pa Idonije occupies a distinguished place in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
He is respected as a veteran broadcaster, accomplished music critic and former manager of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
His relationship with Fela placed him at the centre of a revolutionary period in African music, helping to document and shape conversations around one of the continent’s most influential musical movements.
The celebration served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of a man whose career bridged different eras of Nigerian entertainment from the rise of Afrobeat under Fela to the global success currently enjoyed by Burna Boy and a new generation of Afrobeats stars.
Among those present was Burna Boy, whose international achievements have helped project Nigerian music to audiences around the world.
Family members joined the award-winning singer in honouring the nonagenarian whose influence has extended far beyond his immediate family.
The event also attracted notable personalities from the media and entertainment sectors, including the Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh, alongside respected musicians, cultural figures and long-time associates of the celebrant.
Guests were treated to live musical performances as friends and well-wishers shared moments of celebration with the birthday icon.
The gathering reflected the deep respect Pa Idonije commands within artistic and cultural circles.
Also spotted at the event was veteran entertainer and cultural advocate Yeni Kuti, further underscoring the close historical ties between the Idonije family and the Kuti musical dynasty.
Throughout the evening, tributes focused on Pa Idonije’s role in preserving Nigeria’s musical heritage and his contributions to the growth of the entertainment industry.
Many guests described him as a living repository of knowledge whose insights and work continue to inspire younger generations.
The celebration was more than a birthday gathering; it was a recognition of a lifetime dedicated to music, culture and storytelling.
As family, friends and admirers toasted his milestone age, the event highlighted a legacy that continues to resonate across generations of African music.
At 90, Pa Benson Idonije remains a revered figure whose influence stretches from the golden age of Afrobeat to the modern global success of Nigerian music, making his birthday celebration both a personal milestone and a cultural moment worth commemorating.
