Biography
Born around 1945 in Lagos, Nigeria, as Monday Olufemi John, the musician entered the field only after establishing himself professionally as a fine-art illustrator. Occasional guitar playing eventually led him to commit fully to music in the early 1960s. His initial affiliation was with Roy Gabriel’s Highlife Band, after which he joined Bobby Benson’s ensemble. A debut solo album appeared in the late 1960s, supported by musicians linked to Benson. In 1968 he shifted from highlife to juju, taking up the role of guitarist for Tunde Nightingale. The pair performed across many regions, with UK engagements bringing him to the attention of Ebenezer Obey, who added him to his lineup as a sideman in 1971. Between that year and 1978 John contributed to twenty-eight albums made with Obey. A lengthy hiatus followed until 1984, when he resurfaced fronting the New Wave Juju Band alongside Sweet Tokunbo, Big Honest Setonji, Willie Bestman and the Genius Jerry. The entire group later relocated to Chicago, USA.
Albums