Bobby Benson

Nigerian composer, musician and entertainer. Born on the 11th of April, 1922 in Ikorodu, Lagos State, He died in Lagos on May 14, 1983 - age 62. He had as may as 10 children, among which Tony Benson (2) He was a sailor in the Merchant Navy but in 1944 left ship in London, where he made his entertainment debut with the Negro Ballet, touring several European capitals. He met his wife, Cassandra (half-Scottish and half-Caribbean in origin), while in Britain, and on return to Nigeria in 1947 they established the Bobby Benson and Cassandra Theatrical Party. He started by playing standard big-band music, but later introduced African themes, blending Caribbean and jazz styles that is why he is seen as a pioneer of Highlife music in Nigeria. His song “Taxi Driver”, covered by several other musicians, became a classic hit in West Africa. Benson became the first president of the Nigerian Musicians Union when it was formed in 1960. He fathered as many as 10 children.