Thestory of Nigerian entertainment cannot be told without acknowledging the contributions of Gabriel Olutade Makinde, a journalist, music enthusiast and show promoter.
As one of Nigeria’s pioneer entertainment journalists and editors, Makinde left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping the narrative of the Nigerian entertainment scene for decades with a career that spanned over three decades.
As the pioneer Editor of Entertainer, an entertainment pullout of the now defunct Sketch Press Limited, and Nigerian Tribune, Makinde’s name resonates among music artistes such as Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye well known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, Roy Chicago, Fela Kuti, Tunde Nightingale, Erik Akaeze, Orlando Julius, Dele Ojo, Ogoge Daniel and socialites that held sway in Ibadan and Lagos in the mid-1970s even up to the 1990s and 2000s
He was a constant presence in the Nigerian entertainment landscape, chronicling the evolution of music genres in the country such as Juju, Fuji, Afrobeat, Highlife, Apala and Afro-Juju among others, as well as the rise and behind the scenes of the stars. His incisive reportage, in-depth analysis, captivating storytelling made him a household name, and revered by industry stakeholders and audiences alike.
As the Nigerian entertainment industry continues to evolve, Makinde’s contributions remain a testament to the power of dedicated and passionate reporting. His influence on entertainment journalism extends beyond his own reporting
He inspired a generation of entertainment journalists, many of whom have followed in his footsteps, building on the foundations he laid. Years after, his legacy continues to shape the industry, with his name being synonymous with excellence in the game.
To ensure the memory and legacy of this foremost journalist and music enthusiast lives on, the iconic Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan on Sunday, February 16, came alive as the family and associates gathered at a three-in-one event — launching of a foundation, a book and an award in his name.
For the family, the occasion marked both an honour and the realisation of a long-held dream to celebrate the achievements and enduring legacy of their late father, who made his mark as the Entertainment Editor of the now defunct Sketch Press Limited and Nigerian Tribune.
The late Makinde, who died February 15, 2015, is fondly remembered for his trailblazing work in entertainment journalism and music promotion. Speaking at the event, the deceased’s son and author of the book ‘Olu Makinde: Master of His Game’, Tade Makinde II, expressed joy at the overwhelming turnout of friends and well-wishers at the event.
Tade, also a journalist, said there were a lot of feats his father achieved while he was alive, which many people do not know about. This was the reason he decided to write the 174-page book about him which contains, among others, details of how a music competition completely altered the trajectory of King Sunny Ade’s life for good.
According to him, the project took three years to complete and now stands as a monumental tribute to their hero. He added that the book and other aspects of his father’s life and memory would soon be adapted into a movie, while he sought the support of his late father’s friends and colleagues to make this a reality.
Host of the event, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, described the late Makinde as a great journalist whose advice and support many musicians and entertainers benefited from. The former presidential aide stated that the deceased was passionate about his work and wished he had come at this time when entertainment has become a goldmine.
Also speaking, the special guest of honour and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, commended Tade for writing the book to preserve the legacy of his father, while the chairman of the planning committee of the event, Ambassador (Dr) Yemi Farounbi, stressed that though Gabriel Olutade Makinde might be dead, he lives on in the hearts of his friends and loved ones who gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines commended the son of the late journalist for writing the book and recommended it to everyone. The book reviewer, Dr. Emmanuel Jimo, described the book as a photo studio, memorabilia, a testimonial, and a biography of a fulfilled music lover and entertainment journalist.
The book, ‘Olu Makinde: Master of His Game’ is a part-biography, which highlights some of the innumerable plies of entertainment which Gabriel Olutade Makinde unfurled through his unmatched verve in entertainment journalism. Through the book, the author, Tade Makinde II reminisced on his father who was a king; a king who defied “rain”, and stood against “flood” which came to uproot his house.
The book has a collection of veritable Nigerians with whom the music enthusiast and show promoter had dealings with. The Nigerians including Oloye Lekan Alabi, Yemi Davis, Oloruntoyin Daniel Ayorinde (D’Toyin), Dayo Odeyemi and Ayo Jamiu, among others, discuss their knowledge of why Gabriel Olu Makinde is the “master of his game” especially as it concerns the crowning of Sunny Ade as the “King of Music” in 1977 a life-changing event which Makinde midwifed as the Editor of The Entertainer magazine.
