peter king

Biography

Peter King Adeyoyin Osubu (1939 – 29 August 2023) was a Nigerian alto saxophonist renowned for fusing Afrobeat, highlife, and jazz. Born in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria, he grew up in Lokoja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. He began his career in 1957 at age 18 with the Roy Chicago band in Ibadan, playing maracas and conga drums before mastering double bass, drums, and alto saxophone in various Nigerian bands[1]. In 1961, he moved to London to study at Trinity College of Music and other institutions, forming the African Messengers with Bayo Martins and Mike Falana, which backed acts like The Four Tops, The Temptations, and Diana Ross, and scored a hit with 'Highlife Piccadilly'[1].

King's style drew from Sonny Rollins, Gene Ammons, and John Coltrane, blending Nigerian highlife and Afrobeat with modern jazz and funk akin to James Brown. Returning to Nigeria in 1969, his group Voice of Africa performed during the Nigerian Civil War; he later toured globally with Shango and backed Boney M in 1977. He recorded nine albums from 1975-1978, including acclaimed works like Shango and A Soulful Peter King, featuring his 'Miliki Sound' on classics. Back in Nigeria from 1979, he formed the P.K. Band, composed for TV and plays, and in 1982 founded the Peter King School of Music in Badagry, training nearly 2,000 students[1].

King's legacy endures through his innovative Afrojazz, global performances, and educational impact, though more recognized abroad than in Nigeria. He passed away at 84, leaving a discography spanning Shango (1974) to Palm Wine Vendor (2002)[1].

Fun Facts

• Performed on the front lines during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) with his group Voice of Africa[1].
• His 'Highlife Piccadilly' fused highlife and jazz, becoming a hit in London during the 1960s[1].
• Backed international stars like Diana Ross, The Four Tops, and The Temptations as the African Messengers' backup band[1].
• Founded his School of Music in a three-room apartment in 1982, expanding to Badagry with support from the French government and Canadian musicians[1].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Sonny Rollins, Gene Ammons, John Coltrane - Stylistic influences in jazz saxophone tradition (Improvisational style on albums like Shango) [1960s-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Bayo Martins, Mike Falana - Co-founders of African Messengers band (Highlife Piccadilly single, backup for Four Tops, Temptations, Diana Ross) [1960s]
• Humphrey Okoh, Paul Edoh, David Williams, James Mene, Arthur Simon - Band members in African Messengers (Multiple 45rpm records) [1960s]
• Boney M - Assembled and arranged big band for their first live tour (1977 European concert tour) [1977]

Artists Influenced

• Aṣa - Notable alumnus of Peter King School of Music (N/A) [Post-1982]
• Benjamin James of The Cavemen - Notable alumnus of Peter King School of Music (N/A) [Post-1982]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Ajo (Oma Lewa)
2. Afro-Funk (Oma Lewa)
3. On Days Like These - From "The Italian Job" Soundtrack (The Italian Job (Original Soundtrack))
4. Eda (Oma Lewa)
5. Omo Lewa (Oma Lewa)
6. Now I'm a Man (Shango)
7. Ko Dara (Oma Lewa)
8. African Dialects (Wanted Afrobeat: From Diggers to Music Lovers)
9. Spiritual Songs: No. 11, O filii et filiae
10. Azawala (Supreme Love: a Journey Through Coltrane)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia