Ebenezer Obey’s pioneer member, Vasco Dagama dies at 90

I’ve lost a great brother, music icon says

Legendary musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi has announced the passing of one of the founding members of his band, Pa Sabitiu Ayinla Fasasi, also known as Vasco Dagama.

Obey revealed that Pa Fasasi passed away on Tuesday morning in his residence at the age of 90 and has already been laid to rest according to Muslim customs.

Expressing his grief, Obey described Vasco Dagama as an essential part of his music career. He had been with him after Ifelodun Mambo Orchestra, which was led by the late brother Jimoh Akinwande after the music legend formed his first band called ‘Ebenezer Obey And His Royal Mambo Orchestra’ up to the Inter-Reformers Band.

“Vasco Dagama was a great senior brother to me. I have lost a great brother and I believe he has gone to rest with his Creator. He was my diehard fan and a promoter. He later became one of my band members from the time I met the late Baba Abengo Mayana, Omo Bambose of Lagos, and the late Akinbomi Salvage to the Inter-reformers band.

“We had a close bond. He hailed from Idogo and Iro town in Ogun State. We even attended the same school at Idogo Methodist Primary School. He was my vocalist, and I usually called him Alagba Vasco Dagama, because he was eight years older than me,” Obey shared.

Recalling his last conversation with Vasco Dagama, Obey mentioned that they had spoken a few days ago, and Vasco Dagama was doing well until he suddenly lost the ability to speak.

Obey expressed his deep sense of loss, saying, “Vasco Dagama was very special to me, and I have so much respect for him. I call him and others ‘Plus Four’ then as he was one the founding members of my band alongside Ogunlade and Salau Awe. When Salau Awe left to join the army, others came in, then he (Vasco Dagama) became my vocalist.”

Obey also sympathised with Vasco Dagama’s family, while he prayed for strength to bear the great loss.

He noted that the family would provide further details about arrangements to honor Vasco Dagama with a befitting burial.