Survivors of Rex Lawson's Mayors in Concert 2016 Pt 1

A performance commemorating the 45th anniversary of the passing of Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson. Featuring the octogenarian percussion legend of the Mayors Band, Tony Odili. Mayors and Celestine Ukwu Guitar veteran, Isaac Onateh and a supporting cast of veteran musicians. Jazzhole, Lagos 17th January 2016.

[@frederickogunji1165]

I can't believe viewing Papa Tony live on you tube in 2017. I still remember sneaking out of Aquinas College Akure in 1963 to watch Rex Lawson in one of the hotels town. Ben Jack was on the Drum that day. We danced to songs like Anante. RIP Rex Lawson. My name is Dr Frederick Ogunji. I reside now in Dallas. I am going to tell this to all my old friends who was at the concert that night. We were seven rascals and for the exception of one who is dead, we are all still alive. I can,t believe what I seeing free tonight.

[@ugochukwucharles8325]

You really know the highlife exponent and his band member. Rex was a legend of our generation. RIP

[@ugochukwucharles8325]

I wish past good days can be reversed. My Father told me that Rex Lawson was his friend when he was a serving as a Mobile Police officer at (MOPOL 2 OBALENDE). Rex's Band was made up of great talented Men in person of Ben Jack, Tony Odili, Erasmus Janewari, Echo, Alika, Prince Bull, Nwoke Ahiaonu and Ralph Amarabem of Peakcocks Int'l Band who composed Love Adure. May the soul of Erikosima Cardinal Rex Lawson and other departed souls Rest in Perfect Peace Amen.

[@ogbeisibor3193]

Frederick Ogunji wow 🙌🏿

[@kardinalseed7903]

Highlife formed my appreciation of music growing up. Rex Lawson, Victor Olaiya, Zeal Onyia, Adeolu Akinsanya and the likes. I'm a 70s child but you can't imagine the nostalgia coming over me. Thank you for celebrating greatness!

[@franklinanegbu4500]

Tony odili, Ben Jack, prince David bull. Memories. The professional Seagulls, an offshoot of the original band still survives.

[@dayoofere8513]

The only Nigerian singer that cries when singing ,u can imagine how deep his music is ...Continue to RIP Rex Lawson

[@lemmuelodjay1765]

His source of inspiritation (the well from which he fetched...) was spiritually deeper than that of any other Nigerian Highlife musician's in Nigeria. The late Victor Uwaifo also fetched from as deep a source as Rex Lawson's, though. You may not understand the Kalabari dialect in which Rex conveys his songs, but you could always feel that cold chill which tells that he was engaged in discussions with the nine Muses in his language whenever he sang. I was with him at Aggrey Road the year he met with his tragic end in 1971 while enroute to Warri for an engagement. When he sings Isoboye and a few other songs of his' at Ritz Hotel, Port Harcourt, tears flowed freely down every one's face. I was with him on his last trip to Buguma, his home town, where he'd gone to see his country house which he was building. Unfortunately, he did not make it back alive. And when his body was returned in a casket and his songs were sung before lowering it into the grave, there was a spontaneous reaction by all present including musicians, family members and those who came to bide hime farewell. We could not contain the emotion; we broke down in tears. I still remember Ben Jack on the trombone, brother Tony on the congas (percussion). He looked so full of years in that video. We met again at Benin City a few years after Rex's death. Poor guy, he never seemed to have gotten over his master's death. There was no other Highlife music band as huge as Rex's that he could fit into, and he knew no other trade with which to occupy himself. Me, I left the country, quit professional music and went back to school to change my stars, so to speak... Tony. 😢Most percussioists in Nigeria understudied him for years; like his late master. he had become an institution in his profession. He had set the template for all Highlife music congarists of repute to copy. Give Tony a five minutes' solo act, and people will dance without music, leaving others to watch in amazement. That is Tony for you. Back to Rex Lawson: he was the perfect gentleman of all the leading Highlife music band leaders in Nigeria. I know most of them, from Bobby Benson at Caban Bamboo, to Dr. Victor Olaiya at Papingo Night Club of the Stadium Hotel, to then Fela Ransom Kuti... May the soul of Erekosima Rex Lawson RIP...

[@infinitybund-xm2ip]

I just can't stop CRYING Rest on REX LAWSON

[@hugotim1562]

Words and sentences càn't say all about Pa Rex..,I was at his gig in ÙNN Enugu campus 1966,..and how can I describe it??..I went with Alfred Ochukpue a.k.a. Papido Castro,a friend and classmate(St.Patrick's Emene)..Lawson was on the groove that night..FOND MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THÊSE AND THOSE..Unbelievable...that night,I stood for more than an hour watching Tony slapping the conga drums,Francis on sax,Ben Jack on trombone,Jim Joe on guitar,Forncha the Camerounian on mâracas..etc..etc..and Cardìnal Rex himself blowing his trumpet and cooing out the song vibes...boy oh boy!!!...,could u ask for any bliss more than that in thosè old glorious days??..when men were men..and women were won by those who dêservèd them ha! ha!! ha!!! ha!!!! ha!!!!!

[@funyeimanager8491]

To think that even my generation today still love his songs, then I dear to posit that this sounds will live forever. Amen

[@ninasikod5319]

Great legend of all times. I'm not a Nigerian but loves his music, though not understanding the language. RIP Cardinal Rex Lawson. I went to have food in Nandos , London and heard his music . Amazing. His music brings me comfort all night whilst in bed. I mean, every night. Love Mu Adure is my favourite, followed by Adeje.. I'm watching the concert . Bless you all . God bless the 2 survivors. Lady from London. 🇨🇲

[@bickliffeoba1620]

Keep up the memory of king Cardinal Jim Rex Lawson. Thank you.

[@kardinalseed7903]

In the era of disco, highlife formed my appreciation of music. Still holds sway till today. Feels like a personal celebration for me watching the video. Rex lives on!

[@olivernzekwe9185]

Music of my youth. Thanks for the memory.

[@viqwinner]

The way Pa Tony Odili caresses the conga drums at 88 years of age can only make you imagine how smooth he was six decades ago. He beats the drums as a bard reciting poetry. Impressive!

[@Boy_Gentle]

Refreshing to an Ikwerre man like me. My Dad always played Rex’s songs and told us how amazing he was. Rest in power king of highlife

[@youtubefitnesscircle]

Wow! Seeing this after 7yrs. I'm glad I met papa Tony and talked with him 3yrs ago at Edi's wine bar

[@oseken]

As a sapele man i did enjoy all about Rex today i am glad that we still remember him thanks dr Kenneth Obanor Germany

[@worldcitizen8405]

The few who sacrificed so much and also believed the project Nigeria and give all. Rex was one of them. Today Nigeria is for the winners take all

[@aniekwere4747]

Earnestly,I play this video everyday because it makes me happy.I am so in love with Rex Lawson's songs,I grew up with them.More grease to Papa Tony's elbow and also thank God he's alive to tell us about Rex Lawson.God continue to bless and keep you,I wish to meet with you before you go and occupy that flat they have kept for you in the great beyond.

[@okieto5350]

See goose bumps all over my body just watching Tony and reliving the 60's. Sotey man go suspension from high school because 'im break bounds to go see Papa Lawson for Continental Hotel Umuahia.

[@michealonyeka5948]

I love this concert so much long live pa Tony

[@Ya-Ya_]

Emeka, thank you for this celebration of life for a great man. If there are other ways one can help make this yearly event a bigger one, I'd love to chip in. Thank you.

[@MoyoTaiwo]

Can't believe I'm actually tearing up. The depth of this music gets me every time I listen to it.

[@Ya-Ya_]

Bros, no be only you o. I follow cry small.

[@michaeludeze8470]

High life, the root of Afrobeat. I am just mesmerized! Wow!

[@patiencenjoku2120]

Memory. It's so beautiful.

[@EnVideoZone]

Emeka, God will continue to bless you for your immense contributions to our lives with your humility and intellect. You shine a bright light on our history and our music.

[@jeffersonohio8352]

God bless whoever thought of this rare and unique idea to showcase veterans who make sensible and giant musical strides with simple instruments

[@bcukandu]

Dem were the days....we had no worries and no responsibilities. I look wistfully back to those days.

[@princeuyiekpen7324]

High Life as always be my favourite, any time I listen to rex and many other late high life musicians, I remember my late Father too.Highlife was his music till he left.

[@richardcofie1282]

This is wonderful performance

[@jonnynasz]

Am speechless....these group of musicians in Africa are less celebrated they truly played good music

[@ChrisOgunlowo]

I was there. Memories.

[@ctymusicrecords7283]

highlife at its very very best only fools will not give him the respect

[@nonsomagulike9087]

Simply priceless.

[@willxaxid494]

Thanking the organisers of this concert for a job welldone for providing this great work of Papa Cardinal Rex lawson music.Please,the mode of his dress and dance,pls,do that for me.And the names of the children and are they into music.

[@FesoJaiyeSoul]

wow.too great. I cant handle this.

[@francapopoola7601]

Same here ...I'm too excited. The drummer is an asset

[@ojooluwatope7492]

His songs reminds me of my late father.rip in cardinal Rex Lawson n engr ojo

[@emmanuelabunyaah5959]

Rip My dear Legend Rex Lawson. How do I connect with the current Band members? Love from Ghana!

[@kristofertogun9688]

THANK GOD FOR THE SURVIVORS, REX IS STILL ALIVE

[@omoniOdukogbe-ds7ky]

The great Mayors band of Nigeria. Kudo

[@exceptional6523]

We love it wtf you talking about Rex is a legend in high life music

[@nnoromjoepherus3646]

Nostalgic

[@Ezechuks-zv5ul]

I started enjoying this music at age of 10

[@sitarerny4491]

Guys the these (two) men ought to be remembered while they are alive and the family of Great Rex as well. How can one go about this?

[@Chosen_vessel247]

who will initiate it? that's the problem. when they die now, ppl will start talking and honouring them.

[@ayebatarijuliapaxagiri2767]

I tink u guys r right. We shud remember dem wen they r alive

[@groovemonzter]

Awesome

[@peterokolie4242]

MAY KEEP BLESSING YOUR SOUL FOREVER . WE NEVER FORGET GAVE PART OF OUR HAPPINESS HERE ON EARTH. I OFTEN DO REMEMBER YOUR REGULAR VISIT ENUGU OLYMPIC HOTEL. YOU ALWAYS CAMP IN OUR YARD # ANINWEDE STREET . EMEKA OKOLIE

[@josephkolawole7321]

Great man lawson rip sir

[@thehumbleone6606]

There should be more than enough material between these survivors for a blockbuster movie, or at least an exciting documentary on this legendary musician before they're all gone. I know Nigeria have the expertise and and what it takes!

[@Chosen_vessel247]

u r right

[@innocentfranklinadomah9502]

He ever be remembered.

[@eluechibututu692]

All I can say is wow.....

[@ray4god861]

RIP PAPA REX LAWSON . 60's. Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@samsonosarobo5475]

nice performance there is nothing like highlife music

[@pascalchima9115]

a very good song

[@christopheramadi9035]

Beautiful.

[@nnaemekaikegbunam4549]

Very nice sounds

[@tonyenyin6746]

Please do more of rexlawson life performance. T😊

[@agbalanzeonyekaokeke4373]

Great men

[@boladaletaiwosalawe4816]

The king of Highlife. Nigeria has produced only 2 music geniuses; Fela & Cardinal Rex Lawson.

[@TheRobinhoodtexas]

Williams Oyeabor King of Funk Music

[@emmydennis6227]

Boladale Taiwo Salawe There were a few other greats too. Victor Olaiya, Oriental Brothers, Seagull International, Orlando Owoh, Victor Uwaifor, etc. They were legendary too. We must salute them all Sir.

[@thehumbleone6606]

Boladale Taiwo Salawe...Not true. There are a whole host of others!

[@richarddrahcir8458]

nonsense talk... how about Orlando owoh.. sunny ade.. few to mention

[@boladaletaiwosalawe4816]

@@emmydennis6227 Thanks. They were all legends in their own right. To me they were/are not GENIUSES.

[@kellyken8323]

Please God help us We want to go back to our root We are tired of Nigeria.

[@ThePerfectdisciple]

Incredible legacy of civilization.

[@onwukavincent]

Mercurial vocalist

[@bobbyq3231]

Drummer Man is on fire

[@idemudiasimon8941]

I love highlife

[@nduwuisiakandu9054]

Is there a phone number or email address to contact these honorable men? I want them to play in my father's wake-keeping in late December 2016. This conga man did justice to Cardinal's music. He really worked my feet, as I used to dance to his knockouts. He was (and still is) too much. Congrats! He's still alive. Akandu.

[@anyaohachiedozie5911]

No one is talking about the switching to Ikwuyabe ,these me are good especially the drummer

[@tejuscott2914]

I really enjoy listening to anything from Rex. Does anyone know of any live band in Lagos that can do something like this

[@ekeazor1]

Yes, the West African Highlife Collective - the drummer/guitarist/bassist/hornsmen in this video lead the Lagos ensemble. He is on 08023464988

[@Awofaa]

Thanks for this upload. Please could you upload part 2?

[@ekeazor1]

Sure, next week. Thanks.

[@jJudenson]

Ekeazor1,how can I talk to Pa Tony and possibly pay him a visit?

[@chumaisrael6864]

The Part 2 oooo. I grew up listening to some of these songs... Oh how I miss my childhood!

[@aniekwere4747]

When next is Papa Tony and his team coming back to Lagos?Please keep us informed.

[@aniekwere4747]

Ekeazo please when is Papa Tony and his team coming back to Lagos,keep me posted I can't afford to miss it.Tnx

[@dmedilicious8488]

Where can one get the original good quality version of this event

[@tonyenyin6746]

Where is the part two of this clip?

[@ScrollScripts]

This music got all the rhythm from the bongo

[@hamiltonphillip3788]

Get lost from here if you don't know what to say, go and ask your father who is Cardinal Rex Lawson.

[@dmedilicious8488]

what's the title of the last song

[@okieto5350]

Chai!

[@kellyken8323]

Please God help us i want to go back to my root Biafra is only hope i am tired of Nigeria.

[@eboyeman8457]

wheres part 2

[@B4BESS]

What is the title of the song @16:16 please?

[@Ya-Ya_]

So ala temen

[@wilcoxpromise]

Ekwe Abe....it was not a Rex Lawson original.

[@wilcoxpromise]

It's actually Ikwue Abee done by Jerry Deemua.

[@nathansimmons7356]

What's the name of the drums that band leader's playing?

[@laughojare]

Nathan Simmons, that's the konga

[@aniekwere4747]

Please and please when is this concert coming up again?I'm freezing here cos i'hv gone down memory lane.

[@darkseiid]

What is the song in 25:00

[@mistacrypto1536]

ohh my country, my land, my Biafran Land, lord please set us free from this islamic republic of nigeria that has ilegally occupied our beautiful Biafra land