Demola Onibonokuta

By Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin (Dudu Baba)

In the years early 70s, Demola Onibonokuta invented the musical xylophone type equipment made from stones he picked from the bush and polished them .

He could play any sound from these stones,including Nigerias National Anthem. No big event was complete in those days without his Band entertaining especially in Ibadan.

He performed in various countries abroad. His boyish handsome look always belies his age. It’s a loss to Nigeria’s music legacy that those stones were not passed from generation to generation and become part of Nigerias gift to the world of music. That is, just like the same way Jamaicans and West Indians gave us the steel band music .

Demola Onibonokuta

I was shocked to read that Uncle Demola clocked 90. It is not too late for Music departments and musicologist to tap from the wealth of experience of this unique musical mind . Congratulations.

Video credit: Vickie Owodunni