Fatai Rolling Dollar
Nigerian musician Fatai Olagunju - better known as Fatai Rolling Dollar has died aged 86.
Fatai Rolling Dollars - 'Won kere si number wa'
He died yesterday after falling ill shortly after he returned from the United States about three weeks ago, complaining of a leg problem.
His death came three days after he denied reports that he had slipped into a coma.
His break came in 1957 when he formed an eight-piece band called Fatai Rolling Dollar and his African Rhythm Band, and they recorded numerous seven-inch singles for Phillips West Africa Records.
His popular song "Won Kere Si Number Wa" (They Cannot Match Us) asserted his generation's superiority over those younger than him.
He said he was given the nickname Fatai Rolling Dollar when he was a child because he often carried a few American dimes in his pocket that he and his friends would "roll" or flip.
Fatai Rolling Dollar, had fallen into obscurity after highlife's popularity faded decades ago, living in poverty from the 1970s until the late 1990s; only to have his career revitalised recently by tradition-minded musicians. Nigeria's Jazzhole Records later released new music from him, including the album "Fatai Rolling Dollar Returns."
He continued playing energetic concerts into his 80s - touring the world and was uplifted by the Lagos State Government, which donated an apartment to him and his family.
