Olabinjo (Bobby) Benson(Age 61, 11 April 1922-14 May, 1983.) Was an entertainer and musician who had influence on the Nigerian music scene, introducing big band and Caribbean, highlife style of popular West Africa music. While at school he also learned tailoring, then a boxer for a brief period, and then a sailor in the Navy. In 1944, he left his ship in London, where he made his entertainment debut with the Negro ballet touring several European capitals. He met his wife Cassandra a (half Scottish and half Caribbean) return to Nigeria in 1974 they established the Bobby Benson and Cassandra Theatrical Party, where he played guitar and saxophone while she danced.
They played swing, jive, sambas, calypsos & popular highlife style. Their first big hit was "TAXI DRIVER" followed by several others. He had a show on NTA in the 1970s as a stand-up comedian, playing & singing. He became friend of B.B king & Hugh Masekela. He established the CABAN BAMBOO, a popular nite club in Lagos(we rocked!) later converted to Hotel Bobby. Various prominent musicians played in Benson's band, including Roy Chicago, Sir Victor Uwaifo, & Victor Olaiya. A tribute to the great Bobby Benson.
The legendary Bobby Benson.
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