The elderly artiste reveals why focussing on money will not take up and upcoming musicians anywhere.
OCTOGENARIAN musician, producer and trade unionist, Chris Ajilo has advised aspiring musicians to focus on making good music and improving their art rather than on making money.
He explained that improving their musicianship and mentoring others was the most important thing and not boasting about their wealth while they remain empty musicians.
The elderly artiste, who will clock 89 on December 26, said this in a recent interview in his home, in Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.
Recalling his musical beginnings, Ajilo disclosed that he was never interested in making money but in producing good music and teaching others to increase music literacy in Nigeria.
He disclosed that he trained in London to learn everything about music and avoid being a mediocre musicians who had nothing to give the public.
Pa Ajilo said, “I went to London to learn music at the Central School of Dance Music, West Street, London. There, I started to know what’s music and it was a pleasant time; to meet many people that were very friendly to me. From there, I started playing various instruments; the flute, the clarinet and the saxophone. I had excellent music teachers. From there, I graduated into the music scene; played with multiple bands and it was later in 1955 that I decided to come back home.
“I looked at myself as always a learner, and my teachers were my friends. They taught me many things as far as music was concerned- composition, arranging and all sorts. I met many people; those who were much older than myself, including my teachers who were always my friends, like Johnny Duckworth; they were all very interested in my musical occupation and discussed with me a lot of things before I ever decided to return home.
