Saxophone is arguably the most played instrument in Afrobeats music space. Things took a shape since Wizkid made the sonic instrument a dominating figure in its ‘Made In Lagos album’. Ever since then, Nigerian artistes have explored instruments in their songs and projects more essentially in the Afrobeats space.
Also, these days, a surprise birthday celebration is incomplete without a saxophone. Saxophonists get gigs almost on a weekly basis.
Nigeria as a country has been blessed with arrays of saxophonists, these individual players have made a mark in their sonic journey, some of them already have multiple decades of experience in the music industry.
In the list below I examine the top five Saxophonists in Nigeria. It is in descending order.
5. Mike Aremu: The Niger State raised saxophonist already knew what he wanted as early as eight years old. He was already belting notes into the saxophone, showing off his skill among people that were older than him. It’s not surprising that he has always remained a reference point when it comes to this craft in Nigeria. His Sax Appeal concert remains one of the most anticipated sax events in Nigeria.
4. Beejay Sax: With over three bodies of work in his discography, Beejay Sax has shown that he is not a pushover in the music industry. Real name Abolaji Banjoko, he studied Mechanical Engineering at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State (OOU), nevertheless, he found solace in music. One of the highlight of his career was performing at the 2017 The Experience Gospel Concert.
3. Funmi Sax: Funmi Sax has always been a source of inspiration for the female gender. At the age of 15, she began her saxophone journey, and within a short period of time, she rose to become one of the most in-demand players in the country.
Her performances, coupled with her authenticity that deeply connects with listeners thanks to her passion and distinctive style. Likewise her ability to compete in the largely male-dominated gospel music industry is worthy of commendation.
2. Kunle Ajayi: Kunle Ajayi is synonymous with the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG). For more than three decades, the Lagos State born saxophonist has reshaped the way music is being conducted in the Pentecostal church. With just a year shy of Diamond Jubilee, there is no doubt that Kunle Ajayi has nothing to prove in the music industry.
1. Veeesax: Victor Ayobami Ajayi’s trajectory as a musician/saxophone is easy to predict. His childhood was spent with his missionary grandparents, this afforded him an opportunity to be acquitted with state of the heart music instruments.
His foundation was so solid that it would have been an aberration if he didn’t do anything related to music. Making the saxophone his most preferred instrument shows he is always looking out for the none easy avenues. He has constantly proved his mettle by blowing notes, serenading the audience and more importantly registering his name in the annal of great musicians in Nigeria with his songs and project.
Now based in the United Kingdom, Veeesax owns a music company ‘Inspired Tongue Music Ltd’, which is a member of UK Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA).
