Man alive. How do you pen a tribute to a man that taught you everything that you know about business? But before I indulge in my long soliloquy, allow me to introduce you to Mr. Andrew Vusi Fasedemi, fondly known as Pappa Fash by loved ones - a business maverick, consummate communications professional, brilliant entrepreneur and all round awesome human being. I first heard of Andrew circa 2002 as a junior scribe at Leo Burnett. He was the outgoing group MD. So I never met him. Years later after giving up my penmanship for entrepreneurship; I went for a presentation at Wisdom Keys Group. The boardroom was full and I was feeling effervescent with my big match temperament on. The meeting went well and I left. It wasn’t a minute after arriving back at the office that I got a call from Wisdom Keys; the Chairman wanted to meet me right away. I was ecstatic. I must have impressed, I thought. I was led to a corner office by a perky young Indian lady, her name eludes me now; in the office I met a very stern dignified black man with big and very hard hands that I could feel as he gave me a firm handshake. He was very serious. I sunk to my chair. Feet quacking in my boots I put on my game face too. I mean he must have been impressed that’s why they called back, so why not go for the jugular? I rapped my presentation in one single monologue until he politely interrupted to ask with a wry smile how long I’m going to be still? I was done. As it turned out; he had a similar business concept that he showed me. Made me a business proposition right away and a business rapport ensued. It was years later when Andrew told me that his business director who was in the boardroom presentation not only told him about the similarities in our business concept, but that he must meet the young man who presented it.
From business mentorship to sonship. You see, when you have lost a father in your early teens like me, you don’t get to use the word father often. It’s a privilege and a luxury of sorts to you, but also a point of deep pain. So you surreptitiously avert the use of it. Over the years Andrew and I relationship inadvertently morphed from a business relationship to a warm special friendship; I could call him whenever I needed advice or to talk, I met him at the office, at bistros and at home. He introduced me to his beautiful wife Sade and two sons DT and Tem-Tem. Opened his homes In Bryanston and Harties for me. Before long I too started calling him Pappa Fash. I don’t know when It began but it was an organic transition. Now with the benefit of hindsight; I realize that wasn’t just mentorship, it was fatherhood. A lot of fluid concepts like masculinity are best bestowed and imparted from one generation to another. You learn by observing and you become.
The Boardroom. Andrew was cerebral. And his brilliance was best demonstrated in the boardroom. He was a very effective communicator - a marvel to watch in his element as Lazarus Zim said at his memorial. Ayo and I would listen to him in one of our business modeling sessions. I would listen and absorb every word like the teachings of a sage. Now Pappa Fash would take me to meetings with during our capital raise campaign for the project. He would always introduce me as his “young intelligent business partner” and allow me to speak in meetings. In One of the many meetings; at Vumela Fund in Sandton. We walked into a lily white boardroom panel full of fund manager youngsters with MBAs. I got intimidated at introductions. The pedigree. I started the presentation as it was the norm. But I kept faltering as I spoke. Papa Fash read the situation and gently took over the meeting much to my relief. I was a tad embarrassed. He didn’t call me out after the meeting but gave me a pep talk. He said tomorrow we are seeing investec chairman and his team and you are taking the meeting. I took the investec meeting and went for the kill. After the meeting Andrew looked at me and said; “you know those guys are too rigid, they are not going to give us the money but even if they don’t I’m so proud of you, you did so well in that boardroom I’m so proud of you”. I was so happy. The words of affirmation and validation from a father echo to eternity. Papa Fash and I traveled the world too. He took me on my first international business trip to London and Durham City. I observed him negotiate suppliers and charm white men in suits. Also saw a measured homespun aggression when it was called for. Did I mention he was Nigerian British? The finest of the kind. Our sophomore trip I did solo. He sent me to Shanghai to negotiate a deal. My first trip to China. What a vote of confidence. I could regale you with countless anecdotes on these trips. Alas!
Sickness. 2016 was a hard year. My mother got diagnosed with a brain tumor and started radiation and healing process. Papa Fash and Mamma Sade were there for me all the way. Even gave me herbal remedies. Imagine my shock when I found out that Papa Fash is in hospital later in the year with a similar condition? It was a double whammy. I left Maseru in a haste to come see him at a private facility outside Randburg. I was so scared. Didn’t know what to expect. I walked into his ward; he looked at me; called out my name and burst in tears. Man alive!!! The love of a father ❤️
I’m sitting here in Maseru saddened by his passing. I saw him fight a good fight of faith in the past five years. But what a privilege to have known a man like, Andrew Fasedemi, Pappa Fash. It was in the canopy of God’s Grace that our paths crossed and I was gifted with a father. They say in life we must thank veterans and honour legends; but most pertinently, make it up to them by becoming. Thank you Sir and good night until we meet again #TGBTG
