A decade rolled by since the demise of Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, popularly known as DaGrin, and yet it seems the name that changed the face of rap music in Nigeria will continue to live with us.
The Chief Executive Omoita, CEO, as he fondly referred to himself, won a general acceptance unheard of rap artistes when he launched, infusing street language while giving the voice to the underrepresented in the mainstream.
The indigenous Pon Pon Pon crooner was exclusively responsible in giving wing to a movement that paved the way and imprinted an everlasting impact on contemporary Afropop in Nigeria.
As most Nigerians paid homage and always remembered the ‘lyrically were’ on his death anniversary, one person who bore the loss most is always forgotten; the mother.
In order to correct this omission, a celebrity media guru and publisher of Metronews NG, Otunba Femi Davies, with the supports of some few friends tracked down DaGrin’s mother and his siblings at her abode in Agbado area of Lagos State.
The party, which was well received, donated food items and cash to the family.
The gesture was in continuation of the move by Otunba Davies and his friends in responding to the plights of Lagosians in the light of lockdown handed down by the state government to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. They usually donated emergency relief materials, including raw food stuffs, cooked food, cash gifts and hand sanitizers.
According to the leader of the delegation, Otunba Davies, who is also into artistes management and entertainment, said he was happy in contributing to making life a little bit easier for the family.
“Ten years ago, we lost a promising young talent Dagrin and as a form of remembrance, especially during this period of lockdown, we thought it wise to show appreciation to the contribution of the departed Kondo Master in history of Afropop in Nigeria.
“It was not easy tracking the mother and sisters in a suburb called Jankara, located around Agbado Crossing though.”
FM, as he is fondly called, stated that it was an emotional trip for them.
“The reception was warm. We gave her food items to share and a token of our love.
“It was indeed emotional but worth the trip. Thanks to those who supported us.”
If not for a vehicle accident which occurred on April 22, 2010, DaGrin would have been 35years old today.
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