Born Prince Olayiwola Fatai Olagungu in 1927 in Ede, Osun State, Fatai Rolling Dollar earned his famous moniker as a child. At just nine years old, his peers nicknamed him "Rolling Dollar" due to his habit of carrying two shillings—generously given by his father, Chief Olagungu—which he often spent on his siblings. This affluence earned him the honor of tossing coins to start football matches.
Early Life and Career
Fatai's life took a turn when his father passed in 1944, forcing him to leave school. Initially training as a mechanic, his restless spirit led him to stow away on a ship at 19, prompting his mother to place him in a welfare institution. There, he learned sign writing but soon abandoned it for music.
He began as a percussionist in konkoma bands in the late 1940s, later transitioning to agidigbo. After stints in Lagos' dry docks, he joined Willie Payne's band and later J.O. Araba's band in 1953. By 1957, Fatai formed Fatai Rolling Dollar & His African Rhythm Band, where Chief Ebenezer Obey was a member. Their recordings for Phillips West Africa Records and performances at Nigeria’s 1960 independence celebrations cemented his status as a pioneer of juju music.
Challenges and Revival
By the late 1960s, the rise of new juju artists overshadowed Fatai's fame. He pivoted to renting musical instruments in Lagos' Moshalashi area, near Fela Kuti's Kalakuta Republic. However, the military raid on Kalakuta in 1977 left his business in ruins.
Struggling through poverty, he lost five of his 15 children and their mother to illness. His fortunes changed in 2002 when musicologist Steve Rhodes rediscovered him, leading to collaborations with Tony Allen and new albums, including Won Kere Si Number and Papa Rise Again.
Later Years and Legacy
Fatai's career resurgence brought him international recognition, with performances in London in 2009 and albums like Fatai Rolling Dollar Returns (2010) and Better Life (2011). He continued touring until lung cancer forced him to pause. Fatai passed away peacefully on June 12, 2013, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer of Nigerian music.
His story remains a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music.
Source: Yoruba Blog
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