Bobby Benson

Bernard Olabinjo 'Bobby' Benson was born on April 11, 1922, in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Touring Europe as an acrobat, boxer, and comedian during World War II, he studied music in London and formed the Bobby Benson and Cassandra Theatrical Party with his Scottish-African wife Cassandra.

Returning to Nigeria in 1947, Benson pioneered modern big band highlife by introducing jazz saxophone, swing drumming, electric guitars, and boogie-woogie rhythms. His 1952 single Taxi Driver became an international hit across West Africa. He established the famous Caban Bamboo hotel and club on Ikorodu Road, personally mentoring future musical titans Victor Olaiya, Eddy Okonta, and Roy Chicago, earning him the undisputed title of father of modern Nigerian show business.