Ayo Bankole (May 17, 1935 - November 6, 1976) was a renowned Nigerian musician and composer. He skillfully combined traditional Nigerian music with Western classical styles.
Early Life and Education
Ayo was born in Jos, Nigeria, into a family of music lovers. His father, Theophilus Abiodun Bankole, was an organist and choirmaster, while his mother taught music. Ayo pursued his music education abroad, studying at:
- Guildhall School of Music, London
- Clare College, Cambridge
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship
Musical Career
Returning to Nigeria in 1966, Ayo made significant contributions to the country's music scene. He worked as:
- Senior Producer in Music at Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Lagos
- Lecturer at University of Lagos
Ayo led several choir groups and composed music blending Yoruba and Western styles. He also wrote Christian songs in Yoruba.
Murder
Tragically, Ayo Bankole and his wife were murdered in 1976 at their Lagos home. He was just 41 years old. His untimely death was a major loss to Nigeria's music community.
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