Prince Olufemi Adepegba’s Biography

Prince Olufemi Adepegba was born to Prince Christopher Solomon Adeniran Adepegba and Gretel Advira Adepegba on the 13th of April 1971. His father was from the royal family of Oba Adepegba of the Ayoloye I family of Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria and his mother was from Trelawny, Jamaica, so he was of a rich mixed heritage.

Skalatti as he was fondly called attended Bodija International Primary School, close to his home, from where he continued to Abadina College, the University of Ibadan for his secondary school education.

Growing up, it became quickly evident that Femi was a musical prodigy, and this was recognised by his mum of blessed memory who acknowledged that his path, passion and talent were in the music arts rather than in the academics. This talent was also noticed by their neighbour, a popular Jazz artist, Dayo Adekola, who had a thriving jazz band in the then-popular Bamboo Corner. At that very young age, Femi was already flawlessly strumming notes and bars on the bass guitar and thus, it was no surprise that he caught the attention of one of the best instrumentalists in Nigeria, Kunle Ajayi (the one based in Ibadan, not to be confused with the Kunle Ajayi who played for the RCCG then). This point marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong career with the bass guitar.

Femi was destined for greatness from the start and as a young teen was playing in bands and delighting many music lovers at clubs such as where he started from (Bamboo Corner), Kave, Segis, Koko Dome, bands of Fela Anikulapo Kuti and King Sunny Ade during the yearly Havana Festivals in the University of Ibadan.

Femi left Ibadan for Lagos in 1990 and continued to prosper in his music. While in Lagos, he usually played at Fela’s Shrine, Jazz ville (Now Praise Ville- Muyiwa Majekodunmi), with the likes of Demola Olukotun(alias Papido -The Weekend Band), Jaiye Aboderin and many more.

He moved from Lagos to the United Kingdom in 1998. He never dropped the bass guitar once and even played a demo with the Light House Family band even before they became famous. He also used his gift to serve God and played at the RCCG Inspiration House on Old Kent Road, London.

Femi was not just about music. There were so many other facets to Femi Adepegba. Femi was selfless, cordial, affable and deeply welfare conscious. One of Femi's many qualities was his ever-readiness to help others. Femi was a true gentleman - he always made sure everyone around him was ok, always generous with his time and his resources.

Femi was a man of many hats - he was a social motivator with a knack for bringing people together. He was a humanitarian of huge proportions. He was a passionate advocate for supporting the less well-off. Femi set up numerous daycare centres and accommodations that support people with learning difficulties, autism, assisted care and living, to name a few. He achieved this in a very tough environment but was undaunted and persistent. He employed numerous staff and helped to build their talents and human capacity to achieve these lofty objectives.

Femi was a people-person. He was very hands-on and he developed relationships with clients and their families. There are numerous testimonials to this. For example, Femi set up a Facebook page to provide assistance and support for people in need and he coordinated monetary support for Kitchens that provide food for the needy. Another example is where his organisation pays school fees for children in Nigeria. That was his passion and all we need is to see the way his face lights up when he speaks about welfare issues.

That is the long-lasting impact that is Femi Adepegba's Legacy. To quote Nelson Mandela....."There is no greater gift than that of giving one's time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return". This sums up the essence of Femi. This is Femi Adepegba's LEGACY

Overall, Femi achieved so much and lived a life of service.

His social life also was very colourful but always impactful. He had a beautiful personality and aura with a gift of bringing people together, no matter the background and setting, which is a testament to the kind of man he was.

Femi will be remembered for different things by different people. We will all remember who he WAS....a man who was impactful, giving, friendly, sociable, loving, but above all, a man of Value.

Femi was fully devoted to all his loved ones. He lived life with passion and was known for his infectious warmth and laughter. All who knew him can testify to his humility, warmth, kindness and the love that he carried around.

He loved his family and maintained close ties with them. One of his favorite sayings was “blood is thicker than water”.

His favourite sayings were:

*Mo gentle*

*F*ck that shit! Yeah I said it*

*Onipon*

*God will honour you*

*Blood is thicker than water*

He was loving and devoted to his family and children.

Femi is survived by his siblings, wife and lovely children.

As we surrender his Soul to His Maker, we bid our dear Prince Olufemi Adepegba farewell and journey mercies to eternal rest. Sun re o.

Gone......but never forgotten.