I finally found you! But 8 years too late!!! David, (that's what we called you at the bookstore on Toyin st., Ikeja). You were always the life of the group. Feisty but not easily intimidated. I am so impressed at your accomplishments and how you've impacted humanity in your own unique ways. David... Oyebade Dosunmu, Omo oba, it was great making your acquaintance. May your legend never fade.

Hello,
I didn't know Oyebade Ajibola Dosunmu personally. I'm a french student, and I found Mr. Oyebade phd thesis on nigerian highlife and F.Kuti on google scholar, it has helped me with an article that i had to work on. By curiousity I typed his name on the internet to found that he's no longer with us. I am deeply sorry for the loss, all my condolences to his loved ones. Just to let you know that he left a big impact beyond usa or nigeria, with helping me and probably others with his amazing and complet work. Sending you my high vibrations and energies, and thank you Mr. Dosunmu !

Oyebade,

It has been 8 years. A life unlived to the fullest. I still have questions without answers. May your soul find eternal rest.

Hugging you. 8 years later. #neverforgotten

Happy Posthumous birthday to you Oyebade. Rest On in The Master’s Bossom.

Oye was my university teacher for a music class at the University of Pittsburgh around 2010. A movie reminded me of him, so I googled Oyebade. Shocked he had passed. Great teacher and he related with students. Sharing his culture shock of being in America (San Fran I think?) opened my eyes of how racist America can be. 

Oye I hope you're dancing and singing now 

Thanks Oye

Oyebade,

I can't believe it's been 5 years. It is still as tough to bear. Till we meet again.

It is 5 years today.

I wonder what more you would have done and achieved. How you would have responded to the "new world order" brought about by COVID-19.

Your legacy and impact is a comfort. Rest on Oyebade

I know that you are safe and happy in the Bossom of our Saviour. We remember your special day today and can only always be grateful to God for the blessing of meeting you while you were here. Rest On Oyebade.

Oye, 4 years? You'd be blossoming now. I miss you like a piece of my own body. Never forgotten.

Continue to Rest In Peace dear friend. I miss you everyday. 4 years down the line it still feels like yesterday

My dearest brother and friend.
Like a comet blazing across the evening sky. Gone too soon.
Like a rainbow fading in the twinkle of an eye.
Gone too soon
Shiny and sparkly and splendidly bright
Here one day,gone one night
Like the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon.
Gone too soon.
This Michael Jackson says it succinctly.
Bade, you are very missed and your memory will never depart from our hearts. Amen. Rest well in God's bosom.

Can't believe 4 years have gone by. You are greatly missed Oyebade. #ForeverInOurHearts

Oyebade Omo Oba...I can't believe 4 years have gone back. I remember all out conversations juts like yesterday. Your love for poetry and Music and everything in between.

Continue to rest in the bossom of the Almighty. Till we meet again. Rest well my friend. Miss you

Can’t believe it’s already 4 years. Continue to sleep well Oyebade. You’ll forever be remembered.

Oyebade,

Every now and again I remember you. There is a lot of left unsaid and undone.May the good Lord continue to keep you in the abundance of His grace. Love always and forever

I came across Dr Bade Dosunmu Music "Emi yoo gbe Oju sori oke won ni" on YouTube and each time l click on this song, tears will be flowing from my eyes to know that the man I see performed in this song was no more. The man Oyebade is was a gift to our generation. All his compilations are inspirational. Why would death come and snatch such a beautiful soul? It is well.

I met Oyebade in 2007, a member of a Choral group that came to join us at RCCG, OLIVE TREE PARISH in IKOYI, Lagos. He made such an impact on me and the choir members, THE OLIVES. Ihad been trying to know how he was faring, only to see this. I am devasted; but trust that he is in the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rest On my brother.

I came to know of Oye's death only in 2017. I wrote about it on my FB, but now I think I should leave a tribute also here. I met Oye in Italy in the summer of 2005. He was stranded at Rome's airport and he needed some help. He found me, I found him. It would have been the start of a serious friendship.
Oye was one of the most magnetic, remarkable and surprising people I've ever met. A real source of inspiration, as it rarely happens to find. I will miss our talk and our mail, his smiles and that formidable time that, after a while we knew each other, he revealed to me to be the crown prince of a kingdom in Nigeria. At first I teased him: I did not believe him. He produced in a few seconds, quite annoyed, the first page of a newspaper of his country that spoke of his father, the king, with a photo in which he appeared as well. I wanted to sink, and tried to fix by saying: Oye, it's just that you do not have the air of the Crown Prince, I could not know, sorry. We had not spoke for years, and to know today of his death, moreover not due to an accident or illness, is a low blow.
Oye, Oye, I hope you lived as long as you wanted, rich in talent and personal satisfaction. I hug all his dear friends that have left here their tribute.

Oyebade, its been 3 years now and still have unanswered questions. Till we meet again. Rest in peace

I miss you each and everyday my friend. I know you are resting in peace. Will forever love you and hold you dear in my heart. Till we meet again in heaven

Hey Oyebade, I didn't know you. I come from Italy and i'm studying anthropology. I am really interested in Nigerian Music especially the figure of Fela. I am seriously considering to make my research field in your country. I was looking on the web for ethnographies about popular music in Nigeria and then I've found your thesis. I am about to read it know, sure that it will give to me really useful insights from a point of view of someone who was an insider. I am sure you're in a good place now.
Hugh you and I dedicate to you this beautiful song that is "Black man's cry" sure of your high sensitivity.

So it's been two years. Bade, the pain of your passing still feel fresh but it's tempered by fond memories of you. You dedication to teaching and your zest for life. Rest on Oyebade.

Today marks the 2nd year since you departed my friend, i said a little prayer this morning in your remembrance. The memories of your good heart and warm spirit will live with us forever.

Do continue resting in eternal peace. miss you a lot

I'm simply shocked to learn bout Oye's passing 2 years after it happened. I will definitely miss his witty personality and the great conversations we used to have. My biggest condolences to his family. RIP dear friend, you are and will be dearly missed

I am a lover of classicals,hymns...i know Ayo Oluranti,Ayo Bankole but didnt know you but stumbled upon your name,it resonates in my mind that you must have been a great man and a lover of classica music.You will be greatly missed by contemporaries,friends,family and acquintances.MRest on.Your legacy lives on.Ma sun laya Jesu Olugbala.

Well, Oye, it was Easter morning at St. Andrew's and we were singing Hymn 180 "He is risen, He is risen!" as the Gospel procession. As we sang the last verse I remembered singing alongside you, and I was overcome with a great sense of grief mingled with a great sense of joy. Grief that I would never sing with you again and joy that this verse is the final answer for you.

He is risen, He is risen! He hath opened heaven's gate:
we are free from sin's dark prison, risen to a holier state;
and a brighter Easter beam on our longing eyes shall stream.

My dearest friend and brother, Oyebade Dosunmu, words fail me at this time and it feels like a dream that you are no more. You were such a pillar of excellence that affected so many people you came in contact with.You inspired excellence in my music for the few times we spent together, I felt as if we had known each other for decades, thats how great your effect on me was. keep gliding on with the angels, no more pain, no more stress, just a joyful rest. Till we meet at the Master's feet to part no more, Rest in peace my brother. So proud of you because you run your race and you finished strong. God bless your everlasting memory.

Oyèbádé,
You were my first example of an insatiable knack for quality and perfection in rendering any service.You were my teacher and understudying you changed my life completely.You showed me how to think using the currency of musical notes. I won't forget the statement you made over lunch in my house upon returning from church the last time you were in my house.You told me I could achieve success in Music if I truly want to. I will never forget.
I was filled with trepidation when you chose me to be the choir director of Firm Foundation,Christ Love Fellowship,Ile-Ife upon your exit from O.A.U. in 2000/2001. I knew I could never fill those gigantic shoes you left behind. I must confess I could not; the unimaginable attention to details,quality of sound production using the human voice; expecting,demanding and,of course getting the right vocal textures and tones even for seemingly simple ministrations. You taught me how sacred the human voice is.I walk into places today and people believe I am a musicologist simply because I apply what you showed me. I smile to myself and think,"wait till you meet Bade,then you'll know this guy here is just beginning to scratch the surface".
So young but with an outstanding mental capacity; a heavyweight in reasoning; an erudite scholar,a master of thought - a genius.
You have left this side of reality and we are subjected to this persistent illusion of transience. We shall one day meet to part no more but you can rest,assured that your legacy of excellence lives on.

Omoba Professor Oyèbádé Ajíbólá Dòsùnmú,
sùn re o

My husband and I were among the many fans of Oye's singing, directing and composition. We were in the congregation of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and in the audience at University of Pittsburgh concerts. I also admired Oye as a poet. He often asked for my feedback about his writing and publication opportunities. We valued Oye's friendship and enjoyed sharing meals and conversation.

Oye felt like family to us and we welcomed his parents with open arms when they visited Pittsburgh. We shared a table at Pub Night and by the end of the evening we felt like familiar friends. Another night we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with his parents and we have exchanged cards each Christmas.

We were thrilled that Oye secured a teaching position at Williams College but saddened to have our dear friend move away.

We always expected to see Oye again when he visited Pittsburgh and are heartbroken that we will never see him again.

Pamela Johnson and Ray Williams

Oye, it was a joy and a privilege to know you as a friend and to join you in giving glory unto God, singing next to you in the choir at St. Andrew's in Pittsburgh. I have been in great distress ever since the shocking news of your passing. It does not seem possible that you have been taken from us in the prime of your life. I know that you are resting now in God's love, but your passing leaves an Oyebade-sized hole in our universe, and we mourn the loss of all that would have been.

Oye was a gentle and humble soul and a brilliant and talented human being. St. Paul writes in Galatians that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” None of us exhibits such fruit completely, but Oye certainly bore such fruit in abundance. I do believe that God brought Oye to Pittsburgh and St. Andrew's for a purpose—for God to express God's self to us through Oye's musical talent, and to enrich our lives by Oye's friendship.

Oye was also a poet, and one of his poems recalls St. Andrew's as he would have seen it from the choir on Easter morning:

   Easter

   We have come into this place

   Of death and wakening

   Of hewn saints…silent

   As markers on graves

   Of walls stone and grey

   Of candles crackling flame


   East wall the Christ’s mosaic

   Spectral window into another place

   Stained vision fractured rays

   Tubas quake stone-grey decays

   Tuberoses trumpet transfigured day

   Petal-puckers pronounce love at first light


“Transfigured day...love at first light.” That is the final word for Oye...and for all of us, I believe.

I cant describe how much of a painful loss this is. Oyebade you made me love God right from my junior days in Fego, you made me decide to give my voice to singing to Him. You taught me how to sustain a note, you brought out the creative part of me always telling me "Tayo music is a soothing relief let it comfort you to happiness". you remained my run-to-guide whenever i had to sing a high note song. The musical and dramatic genius like i always called you. You cared for all around you. Playful yet disciplined, Non-judging yet God loving! its sad to know you re gone, but its to rest in God's bosom. Sleep on dear friend and brother

Though we never met in FEGO all I've read has truly described Bade a Great man who accomplished so much in his time within God time. He is truly made in God now in Heaven.

Dear Bade was a good friend with a good heart!
He was always ready with an encouraging word.
Back in school days in Ife, you were assured of calm yet God sent words from Bade at all times.
We all love you but God loves you best.
We all miss you in Clf Alumni.
We will all meet together with Jesus in heaven IJN.

Rest in Peace Omoba!!!!

You were indeed a special and rare gem.

You are in a better place!!!!

Words fail me. I really do not know what to write. I never thought that this day will come. You are missed. You remain in my thoughts. 

Rest In Peace,
Pammy.

Great friend.You will be missed.Thanks for the interview and the reviews we had about Afrobeat.RIP.

Heartbreaking as this is,im grateful ì got to know Bade..he gave himself completely to service.sang like an angel..worshipped with the purest of hearts.Bade helped me understand and love music,big brothered me till I found my feet..a truly amazing person. Rest in Gods arms

Heartbreaking as this is,im grateful ì got to know Bade..he gave himself completely to service.sang like an angel..worshipped with the purest of hearts.Bade helped me understand and love music,big brothered me till I found my feet..a truly amazing person. Rest in Gods arms

Prologue
Yet another heartbreaking tale
Of a dear prince and friend who I once knew
For his spirit has set on a heavenly sail
A gentle soul from every point of view

Oyebade I met over a decade ago
In a place east of the Niger
We were on a mission and on the go
For the Fatherland we were eager

Many times I wonder and think
We struck a friendship like none other
Not realising we even had a another link
I was in the same Uni and class with his older brother!

A love of common interests was clear
Music , poetry, drama and art in every sense
Smiling was a thing that was always there
Is this all now past tense?

He pursued his passion with vigour
A professor both at home and abroad
For he excelled effortlessly in the endeavour
A life of relish and endless accord

Bade as fondly called by many of us
Left his earthly sojourn way too soon
A painful and bitter sudden loss
Of his charisma, warmth and melodic croon

Epilogue
I don't have the right words to conclude the piece
And there is still so much left unsaid
Bade, dwell in His grace and rest in peace
For we will continue to cherish your memories instead.




Bakare Ummukulthoum

08/12/2015

Bade.......... so you are truly gone. I shake my head. How easy it is for us to cross that divide.How easy it is to forget that we are but dust. o lord teach us to number our days. We just kinda lost touch. The occasional yabis and greetings on facebook.
Sun re o!

Gone too soon!
Even though we never got to see each other again all these years after high school. I am grateful for the positive spirit and energy which was shared in messages. It is sad to lose a brother however I pray the Almighty grants family, loved ones and friends the strength to bear the loss. Oyebade in a better place. Sun re o.
Rest in peace brother!

Oyebade, you are a true son of God, may your footprints be left in the sand of time and your good works will live after you, sun re o.

Till we meet to part no more. Omoba, o digba.

Ka sa ma se dada.

Bade, your voice in worship cannot be forgotten, till we meet at the feet of the Lamb, sing on with the saints dear brother so gentle.

Bade, you were a friend and a true leader. Very hard to believe you're gone. You achieved so much and still had a lot to offer. I will always cherish what I learnt from you. Sweet Bade, rest on.

Bade, it was your guitar I learnt to play on. I had it for months...it helped me mourn my dad. I learnt choral directing from your books. We used to argue about almost everything. Now we shall never... Nor shall we be able to finish the tracks we started last year. Music genius,maestro... my great friend. I'm producing, you were teaching and directing just like 17yrs ago. But now your own beautiful piece climaxes into an eternal crescendo... Into a world of light...into God.Rest on Bade, rest on.

Words fail me.....Bade gave himself to God's service when he was the HOD of Firm Foundation. He always wanted perfection. A true leader, even when in pains he pushed himself and the choir to near perfection. Oyebade , it's hard to believe you're no longer with us. Rest on friend.