The bass guitarist of the Ofege Band that ruled the Nigeria pop airwaves in the early 70s, Paul Alade has died of coronavirus infection. Paul Alade who had migrated to the United States, apparently to continue his music career, later veered off to teaching. He died from complications of coronavirus infection in Oakland, California, where he was a teacher.
Members of the Ofege Band which comprised of teenagers from St. Gregory’s College, Ikoyi-Lagos recorded four albums. Their debut album, “Try and Love”, recorded while they were still in St. Gregory’s College sold over a million albums. They further recorded three albums; with hits such as “Nobody Fails”, “Ofege”, “Wizzy Ilabo” and others before breaking up in 1978. The band had announced on Facebook that they were planning a comeback.
The Ofege Band; made up of Melvin Noks – lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Paul Alade – bass guitarist, Mike Meme – drums, Soga Benson – lead/solo guitarist, Felix Ijeh – rhythm guitarist, Dapo Olumide – Keyboard and Felix Inneh – percussionist will remain evergreen in the Nigerian musical scene.