The Timeless Voice of Folk: Celebrating Blackman Akeeb Kareem at 80 –By Bimbo Esho
Some voices do not merely entertain; they shape memories and preserve our culture . For me, the unmistakable voice of Blackman Akeeb Kareem has always been one of those rare gifts.
As a teenager, Blackman’s evergreen folk songs formed a major part of my personal playlist. His records were not just songs I listened to—they were experiences that transported me into the richness of our traditions, our language, and our cultural identity. Even in those early years, I often imagined that one day I would celebrate this extraordinary man whose music had brought so much joy to countless homes.
As God would have it, dreams sometimes find their own path to reality.
My first meeting with Blackman came in *2015 at the memorable concert hosted by Beautiful Nubia at the EniObanke Arts Centre in Lagos*, where the legendary folk icon made a triumphant return to perform before Nigerian audiences after decades abroad. It was an unforgettable evening. Watching him command the stage with such grace, humility and vocal strength reaffirmed everything I had admired about him from afar.
Not long afterwards, I had the privilege of inviting him to our *Evergreen Music office*. Years later, my admiration took me to Ibadan, where I watched him perform once again at the *cultural centre of Chief Tunde Odunlade*. Each encounter only deepened my respect for a man whose artistry has remained untouched by time.
One of the defining moments in our journey together came in 2020, when our company, Evergreen Music Company, organized a *grand homecoming concert in his honour at the Yoruba Tennis Club, Lagos.* It was a truly unforgettable evening. The moment Blackman Akeeb Kareem stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere came alive with excitement as wave after wave of nostalgia swept through the audience. His timeless renditions of beloved classics rekindled cherished memories, prompting spontaneous sing-alongs, joyful dancing, and thunderous applause. *It was more than a musical performance—it was a powerful reunion between a legendary artist and generations of admirers whose lives had been shaped by his enduring music*.
To me, *Blackman Akeeb Kareem possesses one of the finest voices ever produced by the Nigerian music industry.* His voice does not simply fill a room—it travels through the soul. Rich, commanding, expressive and deeply emotional, it carries the warmth of African folklore and the wisdom of generations. Few singers possess such remarkable vocal power and clarity that every note leaves a lasting impression.
Blackman belongs to that distinguished generation of musicians who boldly embraced African authenticity long before it became fashionable. At a time when many artists looked outward for inspiration, he turned inward, drawing from *Yoruba folklore, indigenous rhythms, proverbs, storytelling and traditional philosophy to create music that was proudly African*. Long before Afrocentric expression became the norm, he had already carved a unique identity through his compositions, stagecraft and cultural confidence. Music critic Benson Idonije once acknowledged his pioneering role in bringing authentic African expression into popular music.
His timeless classics—including *Ololufe, Amebo, Call Me Blackman, IYA, Awa Na Re,* and many others—remain enduring treasures. Each composition carries far more than melody; they are stories wrapped in music, rich with humour, social commentary, wisdom and enduring life lessons. Songs like *Amebo* cleverly expose the dangers of gossip, while *Ololufe* celebrates the beauty and tenderness of genuine love. His music has always entertained while educating, preserving values through memorable melodies.
Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Blackman became a worthy ambassador of African folk music. Living and performing abroad for many years, particularly in Europe, he *introduced international audiences to the richness of Nigerian musical traditions.* Through concerts and cultural performances across different countries, he demonstrated that African folk music possesses a universal language capable of touching hearts regardless of race or nationality. His international career proved that authentic African music deserves a place on the world’s biggest stages.
His contributions to folk music cannot be overstated. Blackman has preserved indigenous musical traditions while inspiring younger generations to* embrace their cultural roots. *As a singer, guitarist, songwriter, composer and folklorist, he represents the true African griot—one who safeguards history, tradition and communal values through song.* His work has become an important chapter in the story of Nigerian folk music.
Today, as he celebrates the remarkable milestone of 80 years, we honour not only a gifted musician but also a custodian of culture, a storyteller, an innovator and a living legend. Eight decades of life have produced a legacy that countless musicians continue to admire and emulate. His music has survived changing times because genuine artistry never grows old.
Blackman Akeeb Kareem’s voice remains timeless. His songs remain evergreen. His influence remains immeasurable.
He will be 80 years on 27th, July 2026. Celebration has already commenced in different countries. The first will hold at Chief Tunde Odunlade’s Center in Ibadan on July 27th while the second will hold in United Kingdom on 1st of August, 2026.
Happy 80th Birthday, Blackman Akeeb Kareem
