Fatai Rolling Dollar

{{short description|Nigerian Jùjú singer and songwriter (1927–2013)}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Fatai Rolling Dollar

| birth_name = Olayiwola Fatai Olagunju

| alias = Fatai Rolling Dollar

| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1927|07|22}}

| birth_place = Isale Eko, Abegede, Lagos, British Nigeria

| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2013|06|12|1927|07|22}}

| death_place = Lagos, Nigeria

| instrument = Guitar, vocals

| genre = Juju, Highlife

| occupation = Singer-songwriter, instrumentalist

| associated_acts = Ebenezer Obey

}}

Olayiwola Fatai Olagunju, known professionally as Fatai Rolling Dollar (22 July 1927 – 12 June 2013), was a Nigerian jùjú singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, described by the BBC as a "nationally celebrated performer."{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22886478|title=Fatai Rolling Dollar dies: Nigeria's Jonathan pays tribute|date=13 June 2013|publisher=BBC News}}Samuel Abulude, [http://allafrica.com/stories/201306171456.html "Nigeria: Pa Fatai Rolling Dollar – a Music Icon"], AllAfrica, 16 June 2013.{{Cite web |url=http://www.whispernigeria.net/last-pictures-of-fatai-rolling-dollars-before-he-passed-on-this-morning/ |title="Last pictures of Fatai Rolling Dollars", whisperNigeria.net. |access-date=26 February 2014 |archive-date=26 February 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140226084804/http://www.whispernigeria.net/last-pictures-of-fatai-rolling-dollars-before-he-passed-on-this-morning/ |url-status=dead }}

Biography

He started his musical career in 1953 and mentored a number of musicians including Ebenezer Obey and the late Orlando Owoh. He was known for his dexterity at playing the guitar. Rolling Dollar's last major hit was "Won Kere Si Number Wa".

In 1957, he formed an eight-piece band called Fatai Rolling Dollar and his African Rhythm Band, and they recorded numerous seven-inch singles for Phillips West Africa Records.[http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/fatai-rolling-dollar-is-dead/ "Highlife singer, Fatai Rolling Dollar dies @ 85"], Vanguard, 12 June 2013.

Death

He died peacefully in his sleep. He was buried in Ikorodu, Lagos{{cite news|last1=Njoku|first1=Benjamin|last2=Aina|first2=Iyabo|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/fatai-rolling-dollar-buried/|title=Fatai Rolling Dollar buried |publisher=The Vanguard|accessdate=14 November 2014|date=13 June 2013}} He was the oldest surviving music artist in Nigeria.