Memoir on highs and lows of Majek Fashek’s career to be released Nov 18

A memoir on the highs and lows of the music career of Majek Fashek, the late Reggae singer, is set to be released on November 18. 

The book, titled ‘Before and After the Rain’, is written by Azuka Jebose, a media executive.

The memoir details the lifetime of Fashek as the acclaimed pioneer of Reggae music in Nigeria during the 1980s.

‘Before and After the Rain’ beams into the life of Fashek’s days as a singer whose “resonant voice could heal wounds and mend souls”.

It also chronicles the late singer’s battle with alcoholism and “undiagnosed schizophrenia”.

”
From his explosive arrival onto the music scene to becoming an undisputed king of Nigerian reggae music, Majek Fashek’s life was a symphony of highs and lows. Unveiling the untold story of a musical maverick, we delve into the glory days when his resonant voice could heal wounds and mend souls,” reads a statement from Temitope Marcus, a writer and editor.

“This memoir takes an unflinching look at the demons that haunted Majek Fashek – his tumultuous struggles with alcoholism and a hidden battle with undiagnosed schizophrenia. Unfurl the layers of complexity as he fought not only for his place in the music world but also for his own sanity.

“In ‘Before and After the Rain’, we walk with Majek Fashek through the peaks and valleys of his life, from the euphoria of performing on the world stage to the dark abyss of self-doubt and addiction. This is an intimate and breathtaking account that pulls no punches, revealing the human behind the legend.”

Speaking about the book release, Azuka recalls his relationship with Fashek as rising guitarist for Jah’Stix, the 1980 Reggae band.

Azuka said the book also explores “the history of Nigerian music and entertainment scenes after the war”.

“I thought that it was important to capture those magical and complex moments with Majek and the Nigerian music scenes then,” he said.

“I thought that if I had to write the memoir of one of the most iconic, yet, eccentric and brilliant musicians of my generation, I needed to go deeper into Nigeria’s music scenes before Majek Fashek, especially after the Civil War in the early 1970s and through the 1980s when Majek manifested as an amazing singer, songwriter, guitarist, and frontman for a unique first Nigerian Reggae music band with an engaging band name: JAHSTIX.”

Born Majekodunmi Fasheke, Faskek died in 2020 after a long battle with cancer.