Mr Adekolu Modupe aka Ade Wesco was born over 70 years ago in Ifon, Ose Local Government in Ondo state. He had his basic education in the same town before he started pursuing a career in music. Contrary to popular belief, it is on record that this juju/highlife/traditional folk musician was never under the apprenticeship of any other musician.
The self-taught guitarist started his career as a young man sitting very close to a popular market square known as Oja Olorisa in Ifon, where he would sing and play his guitar to entertain passersby.
One of the highlights of his performances was during the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970 when he entertained the Army. His shows for the Nigerian Army at that time were facilitated by his fellow socialite kinsman; Chief Babatunde Awodeyi. This legend has not only entertained people in the country, but he has also taken his trade to other parts of the world including Europe.
Multi-talented Ade Wesco and his Destiny Dandies Band which he formed about five decades ago, waxed dozens of LPs for popular audio/video company; IBUKUN ORISUNIYE with the song– “Aye Wa Adun” being one of the most popular out of his many songs. He also waxed other LPs for other companies.
Young Ade Wesco and his Destiny Dandies were a vibrant musical group that emerged in the late 1970s. Led by the talented Ade Wesco, the band made waves in the Nigerian music scene with their unique fusion of highlife and afrobeat. Born out of a passion for music, Wesco, a self-taught guitarist, assembled a group of talented musicians and formed the Destiny Dandies Band. The band released several albums, including “No Left Turn,” released in 1979, which showcased their infectious rhythms and captivating melodies. The album, pressed on vinyl, became a hit among music enthusiasts, leaving a lasting impression on the Nigerian music landscape. Although information about Young Ade Wesco and his Destiny Dandies is scarce, their music continues to resonate with fans, and their influence on the highlife genre is undeniable. Despite their limited discography, their legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of musicians to embrace their own destiny and create extraordinary music.
Ade Wesco took a hiatus from the music industry for many years due to some personal reasons. He however bounced back years ago with an album titled “Endurance” waxed for Malio Entertainments and produced by the King Of Lyrics himself; Olayiwola Adisa (Lai Addis).
Ade Wesco’s musical skills and dexterity can compete with even the younger ones in the music industry. The only thing that makes his heart glad is music.
One of his major but last performance was at ARIYA EKO MUSIC FESTIVAL an indigenous musical concert put together by one of Africa’s largest music collectors and preservators, Evergreen Musical Company in partnership with Lagos State Government.
He died recently at 79 years old.
Story By Bimbo Esho
