10 essential Majek Fashek songs

Fashek who died on 1 June 2020 was a Nigerian reggae musician, guitarist and activist who used music to spread his messages about peace, love, unity and humanity.

There is no doubt that he will continue to inspire and affect people with his music even after his death. We've compiled a playlist of 10 essential songs that defined his career.

Send Down the Rain

In 1988 an unprecedented drought ravaged the eastern and western parts of Nigeria. Farms burned and crops perished. Fashek's release came at the same time and was seen as an invocation of a rainstorm that ended the worst droughts in the country's history, earned him the title of the rainmaker. Rainmaker was also the title of his 1997 album.

Holy Spirit

Fashek infused his music with a sense of spirituality. The song shows his belief in people and their ability to change and depicts the holy spirit as the world's guide, counselor, and comforter. The song is off the Spirit of Love album released in 1991 by Interscope Records, an American record label owned by Universal Music Group. The song landed him a music contract with Island Records' Mango imprint, dedicated to marketing reggae internationally.

Hotel Califonia

The song was a reggae cover of 'Hotel California' by the American band, Eagles, which was released in 1997 and was a billboard chart-topper; it sold over 16 million copies in the U.S. alone and was on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 19 weeks, peaking at No. 1. In 1978, the song won a Grammy award for Record of the Year.

Promise Land

According to the bible, the promised land was Israel or the land of Canaan. However, Fashek sang that the promised land is the condition of a person's thoughts or feelings. " Promised land is not Europe, is not Africa. Promised land is a state of mind. Promised land is a state of mind," he said.

Redemption Song

Fashek was inspired by the conflict between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. The song reflects on the hypocrisy of religion and politics and advocates for all to unite in mutual understanding and cooperation to create a culture of peace.

So Long Too Long

The song possed a serious challenge to white supremacy and segregation. Feshek was against the notion of blacks being perceived as inferior to whites. He performed this song in 1992 on the David Letterman Show, to promote his 1991 album in the USA.

Without You

This is a love song from his 2012 I & I Experience album. Another notable song from the album is 'My Guitar', which was heavily influenced by rock.

Kpangolo

Kpangolo was a unique version of reggae music he created by fusing particular African rhythms like fuji, jùjú and heavy percussions. The song is off his 1997 album.

Majek Fashek Ina New York

The song was about his experience in NewYork, USA when he visited for the first time after signing with Interscope Records in 1990. The reggae singer painted a picture of poverty and confusion while negating the idea of it being the promised land, a true paradise.

No More Sorrow

The song is a remix of his 1991 release 'Holy Spirit' and features 2Baba - the only new generation artist he recorded with. He once said that amongst the young Nigerian artist in the new generation, he was connecting with just 2Baba because he was spiritual.