What You Don't Know About Majek Fashek (Youtube Script)

 

If you belong to the 1980s generation or you are just a Nigerian reggae lover, then you must have heard of Majek Fashek. 

Yes, the man with the long flowing dreads who sang 'Send down the rain'. It was a huge hit then and still is now. 

The song “Send Down The Rain” was the most popular song of the year, and in 1989 Majek Fashek won six PMAN awards for it as the “Song of the Year”, “Album of the Year”, and “Reggae Artist of the Year” among other awards.

Majek Fashek was one of the few musicians who blessed us in Nigeria with reggae. Majek Fashek grew up in a family that loved music. He grew up listening to Bob Marley alongside Fela. This influenced his style of music which sometimes differs from reggae. His music was often a mixture of local musical genres like fuji and jùjú and he called this musical blend, "Spagnolo".

Majek Fashek started his career in the 1980s as a member of Benin-based reggae group "Jastix" where he was known by the stage name, Rajesh Kanal. In 1988, Jastix disbanded and Majek went solo and began performing with the stage name 'Majek Fashek'.

Shortly after signing with Tabansi Records, he released his debut album “Prisoner of Conscience.” This album placed him on the charts of top Nigerian reggae artists.

Under Sony Nigeria, he released the album "So Long Too Long" in 1991. This album was included on Putumayo World Music‘s first album.

His remarkable “Spirit Of Love” album was released under Interscope Records in 1991.

In 1992, he appeared on Late Night with David Letterman where he performed the song “So Long Too Long” for the television audience to promote his new 1991 album. 

Majek Fashek was a musician and sometimes an actor. In a 2000 Nollywood film titled "Mark of the Beast", he starred as a supporting actor. He also did a commercial for 'Diamalt', a non-alcoholic beverage company.

Majek Fashek Personal Life

He was married to Rita Fashek with whom he had four children before getting  divorced years later. 

In 2015, Fashek's drug addiction was made public as well as his financial status. He had gone bankrupt. A few years after this, he checked into a rehab in Abuja.

Upon recovery, Fashek was featured in the celebrity song "We Are Not Afraid", a song that featured 200 celebrities who came together to raise funds for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Human Rights Watch (HRW).

In September 2019, there were rumors of Majek Fashek's death. However, his manager denied it but admitted that Fashek was critically ill. At that time, popular billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, indicated his interest in covering all the singer’s medical expenses.

Unfortunately, In the early hours of June 1, 2021, Fashek, a veteran Nigerian reggae artist was announced to have passed on in the United States. 

This came as a shock to many reggae lovers in Nigeria who knew and loved the musician  and his music. 

He left a musical legacy that won't easily be forgotten. Now, before you rush to download some of his hit tracks, that's if you don't already have them, click the subscribe button and like this video.