CONTROVERSY OVER REAL CAUSE OF FATHER U TURN’S DEATH

Femi Sylvester Mayomi a.k.a Father ‘U’ Turn has died. The dancehall singer, known for his hit single, ‘yetunde’, according to a source, allegedly died from health complications though other sources claimed that he died as a result of a car accident at Okokomaiko, Lagos, where he resided.

Nigerian Tribune investigations also revealed that the artiste had been sick for some time before passing away yesterday morning. Sources, however, could not authoritatively confirm if he had kidney or liver related problems or not.

Father U Turn had risen from poverty as an orphan, to build a successful and inspiring career as a songwriter, recording artiste, TV presenter and performer, and passed on in Lagos yesterday from yet to be confirmed circumstances.

He was 36 years old.
The late Mayowa was from Kabba-Bunu in Kogi State where he first tried his hands on entertainment, working as a radio and TV presenter.

He had a brief stint at NTA in Lagos, after relocating in the state, before signing a deal with Ultima Records which released his early albums.

His signature intro ‘Apoola Berekete’ was very popular in the 90’s. After years of club tours and free gigs, he got his first break when he was signed to one of the biggest record labels of the time, Ultima Records.

Ultima engaged Nelson Brown to work on his first album which proved to be a huge success.

The hits ‘African Culture’ and ‘Shakara’ threw him into national limelight, instantly putting him in the league of bonafide ghetto stars like Daddy Showkey and Daddy Fresh.

He espoused Okokomaiko where he resided, with many songs dedicated to the Lagos outskirt.

His second album ‘Padlock Ur Mouth’ produced the smash hit ‘Yetunde’ a collaboration with Pasuma Wonder.

With dozens of awards confirming his exploits, including multiple decoration by Awards for Musical Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN), Youths Awards for Excellence in Music (YAFEM), amongst many others, U Turn lead a generation of alternative dancehall cats by the hands. And in Okokomaiko where he spent the last two decades of his life, he was like a king. His success encouraged many children in the area to embrace music, and he supported many of them.

Although his later years were troubled by label issues with Bayowa Music, and career challenges that came with unsuccessful albums, Father U Turn remained dedicated to his art - recording endlessly and refusing to let go of his passion and dedication to reggae/dancehall. He also vehemently refused to relocate from Okokomaiko, despite constant pleas from friends and family.

He is survived by his siblings, wife Ajimoh and five children.
Source: Tribune