Veteran highlife musician Fatai Rolling Dollar dies at 85

Veteran highlife musician Fatai Rolling Dollars, is dead.

The octogenarian passed on this morning at Ahmadiyya Hospital in Abule Egba, Lagos, southwest Nigeria. He was rushed to the hospital by his wife about a week ago.

Born 22nd July 1926, Rolling Dollar was known for his verve and dexterity on the guitar. His zest for life and energy, even in old age, was also a marvel to all who beheld him perform.


Kunle Tejuosho, whose label, Jazzhole Records, brought out ‘Won Kere Si Number Wa’ among other albums, confirmed his death. He said the deceased came back from America some weeks ago where he had gone for shows for about three weeks.

Tejuosho in his tribute, said: “Baba was a great Musician. He lived life of a music. He was always happy to perform. May be he took too much on.

“He was a good guy. He enjoyed his life. He had a second chance which he used very well.

“He would be missed because he brought the past alive to the present. He re-lived the music of the 50s. He was a great music historian and a great music custodian.”

May his soul rest in peace. Amen!