Legendary Juju musician and former Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) President, Admiral Dele Abiodun Alele (Adawa Super) 78, has described his contributions to Nigerian music industry as meaningful and impactful to lovers of music of many generations. He said he had a fulfilling career as a musician despite the shift in trends in the industry. He stated that Nigeria never lacked talents as creativity is still much in abundance in every region of the country spanning sports, movie and entertainment among others.
He, however, noted that technology remains a double-edge sword, which has not only improved the quality and reach of music, but has also impacted negatively on the production capacity of many artistes, especially the young generation.
The Edo state-born musician who spoke with The Nation while on a visit to Lagos recently, said whatever comes out of today’s music is a reflection of the times ‘we are in as a people.’ According to him, most challenges confronting the growth of Nigerian music today are as a result of misconception about quality, talent and leadership. He noted that unfortunately, individual interests override the overall interest of the industry, warning that ‘whatever comes out of music now is all fallacy. I see all of the stakeholders in music industry today as the same. They are all working for their own interest.’
“But, personally, looking back, I have no regret. I came, I played my part. I leave the rest to posterity. Somehow, someday, somebody will come and pass on me. That is the end of it. You look at life you think it will never end. The journey is like yesterday, but it has been a long time,” he added.
When asked are there things he will do differently if he is to live his life all over again? He said: “Well, life for me at this stage is something that I cannot change. For everyone, life is a cycle, and one day you are gone. But, the Lord tells us that what you did that you think is not right, never repeat it. For me, I cannot change many things now.
“At 78, I will simply thank God for what he has done because a lot of people want to get to this stage, but I thank God. All we need do is to thank God. Many often think tomorrow will never come, but here we are today. At 78, I have no regret in life.”
However, his only dark moment is the death of his daughter, Toyin who passed on last year. He said if Toyin were to be alive she would have been his trusted pillar.
Recalling his annual performance at Sobe Day every September ending, Dele said he had rewarding experiences those past years, but missed the celebration in the last few years. He described it as a big homecoming celebration.
Asked if God says time is up, where will he want to be buried? “Sobe, of course and that is where I love to sleep and be buried. Listen, when my father died, I took him to Sobe for burial. Why will my case be different? My decision is final about that and I don’t think I am having a rethink of it,” he said.
Last year October, he was honoured for his outstanding contributions to music, culture and the Nigerian social life at the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival themed Musical Journey of a Nation @ 65. Others were Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, Ken Caleb Olumese known as the “King of Lagos Nightlife,” honoured with the Nightlife Legend Award; Evang. (Dr.) Funmi Aragbaiye (Mama Sioni), recipient of the Gospel Pioneers Award; and Tunde Kelani, an award-winning cinematographer and filmmaker, who bagged the Distinguished Filmmaker Award, Uncle Toye Ajagun, Alhaji Kolawale Rasaq, Dr. (Mrs.) D. A. Fasoyin, Laolu Akins, Evang. J. A.Adelakun, Pa Sulaimon Ayilara Aremu (Ajobiewe), and Premier Music.
Among Adawa Super’s hit tracks released under Olumo Records and Leaders Records are Abanije, Ewu Jamba Motor, Agba wa bura, Asiko Loto, It’s time for juju music, Halleluyah and others.
By Ozolua Uhakheme
June, 2026
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