BIOGRAPHY OF MAJEK FASHEK

MAJEK FASHEK— BIOGRAPHY

Full Name: Majekodunmi Fasheke
Stage Name: Majek Fashek
Nickname: The Rainmaker
Born: 6 March 1963, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Died: 1 June 2020 (aged 57), New York City, USA
Profession: Singer-songwriter, guitarist
Genres: Reggae, roots reggae, rock

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EARLY LIFE & MUSICAL ROOTS

Majek Fashek was born in Benin City to an Edo mother and an Ijesha (Yoruba) father, though he strongly identified with his Benin heritage. His name, Fasheke, has spiritual connotations, with translations including “powers of miracles” and “Ifa does not lie” — reflecting links to the Yoruba divination deity, Ifa. After his parents separated, Majek grew up with his mother, who encouraged his musical talent. He started in church choir, learning instruments like trumpet and guitar while composing songs young.

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RISE TO FAME

In the early 1980s, Majek began his professional music career with the reggae group Jastix, performing on the Music Panorama show on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and touring with groups like The Mandators. After Jastix disbanded, he launched a solo career.

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BREAKTHROUGH& “The Rainmaker”

His 1988 debut solo album Prisoner of Conscience — featuring the hit single “Send Down the Rain” — made him a national sensation. The song became hugely popular and earned him six PMAN Music Awards, boosting his reputation. Because the song seemed to coincide with rainy weather whenever he performed it, fans dubbed him “The Rainmaker.”

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INTERNATIONAL CAREER & STYLE

Majek’s music blended traditional reggae influences (like Bob Marley) with Nigerian rhythms and rock elements, creating a unique style he sometimes referred to as kpangolo. After his initial success, he signed with major labels including CBS/Sony Nigeria, Interscope Records, and Mango/Island Records, expanding his reach internationally.

In the early 1990s, he became one of the first Nigerian artists to appear on American television, performing on Late Night with David Letterman. Over his career, he worked with global artists such as Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and Beyoncé.

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Major Works & Legacy

Some of his notable albums include:

Prisoner of Conscience (1988)

I & I Experience (1989)

So Long Too Long (1991)

Spirit of Love (1991)

Rainmaker (1997)

Little Patience (2005)

His songs often carried social, political, and spiritual messages, addressing issues like unity, freedom, and human rights. He became a cultural icon and one of Africa’s most influential reggae performers.

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PERSONAL LIFE & CHALLENGES

Majek was married to Rita Fashek, who inspired songs such as “Without You.” They had four children, though they later divorced.

Despite his success, he faced significant personal struggles later in life. Reports in the mid-2010s highlighted financial hardship and battles with drug addiction, leading him to enter rehabilitation in Abuja, Nigeria. Friends and fans rallied around him, but his health continued to decline.

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ILLNESS & DEATH

Majek Fashek faced serious health issues and was hospitalized on several occasions. Rumors of his death surfaced in 2019 while he was critically ill in the UK, but these were later denied. He ultimately passed away in his sleep on 1 June 2020 in New York City at age 57, after battling illness.

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LEGACY

Majek Fashek remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic musicians — a trailblazer who brought reggae into the African mainstream and used his music to speak on deep spiritual and social themes. His songs continue to influence artists and reggae lovers worldwide.