That sad day, April 22, 2010, will remain a dark day in the Nigerian music scene as popular rapper, Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun, aka Dagrin, passed away at the private wing of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, after a car accident.
The self acclaimed ‘Barrack O’grin’ debuted with ‘Still on the Matter’ in 2007, which was not well accepted. He hit the limelight with his appearance on ‘Idi Nla’ and later his 2009 album ‘C.E.O,’ which rapper, M.I. once regarded as a classic.
It is now five years since the rap king, Dagrin died, yet his fame and name never at any time disappeared in Nigeria’s rap game. Reminiscing on his death reminded me of his bravery and guts in the use and commands of language which he best displayed in his last song ‘If I die”.
In the chorus of this song, Grin as popularly called by some of his followers stated clearly, about his abhorrence for pretentious tears and developed his verse to tell of himself as man who wanted his best and not self-pity.
Today, we celebrate a legend by obeying his lines:
“ If I die, if I die
Make you no cry for me
E jen simi, ejo kejen mi”
When the song was released shortly after his death , it triggered tremendous controversy, went viral and was even perceived as diabolical due to its’ contextual coincidence with the talent’s death but one can’t ignore that this same song gave the biggest succor to many of his fans who couldn’t bear his demise at the said time.
Putting the records straight, it will be unfair to misconstrue Dagrin’s creativity for diabolism as he is not the first artiste who did songs about the foreshadowing of one’s death. Foreshadowing, is just a literary technique which involves the use of indicative lines to set the stage for an event to unfold-Dagrin’s acclaimed mentor, 2pac Shakur had done something of this nature with songs like If I die tonight; I wonder if Heaven goota a Ghetto etc.
Dagrin mastered his musical works and he will forever remain unforgotten for it; his songs are trade-marked to sell both his brand and contents- From the release of his first sophomore album, “Still on the Matter” to his second album, “Chief Executive Omo-Ita, C.E.O”, he kept his head high and was unique among his competitors.
He had massive hits during his lifetime and he took this glory on even at his exit from Nigeria’s music scene with the track: “If I die”. He rocked parties with tracks like, “ Mo lenu bi Pon, Pon”; ‘Efimile'; Kondo (Magic Stick), Swag among others all sold out.
Dagrin died at about 6:00 p.m. on Thursday April 22, 2010, eight days after he was involved in a ghastly accident in front of Alakara Police station, off Agege motor road, Mushin, Lagos.
Until his death, the ‘Akogun’ was signed to his label, Missofunyin Entertainment, and managed by Edlyne Records.
“From today day i finally miss my friend fine boy, young blood and everyday i wake and think about the legacy u live i thank God, ur music go continue to dey reign oh i miss u my brother lyrical weyrey, now am sayin rest in peace my name is Omawumi. 1 i miss u dagrinnnnnnnnn. rest in peace dagrin” singer, Omawumi sang in a tribute song to Dagrin.
Many of his fans and artistes have taken to their Twitter and Instagram accounts to remember the late rapper. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Rest in peace homie
ReplyDeleteMilles to fi si le won le ba dagrin lion of hippop sunre oo
ReplyDeleteGrin Baba. Oju atun rari. May ur soul finds solace with God Almighty. Sail well ma brother. Noto Anes
ReplyDelete