The recent exhibition by the Steve Rhodes Foundation to honour and celebrate the life and times of the late composer, broadcaster and theatre practitioner, Steve Rhodes, at the Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Lagos, was unprecedented.
The exhibition showcased works of the late music icon, such as his invitation to some events like a concert of classical jazz presented by Steve Rhodes, featuring the music of Kunle Ajayi and his group; Easter concert at the Federal Palace Hotel, April 23, 1973; “The Steve Rhodes Voices”,
“The Steve Rhodes Junior Voices”, “A Tale of Alente Takakunmi” by Frank Aig-Imoukhuede (1982), and “A Night of Excellence: Metamorphosis of a Musical Journey through Time” (2005).
Also showcased were the Christmas concerts of the Steve Rhodes Voices and special guest appearances at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos; The Musical Society of Nigeria presentation of Ijapa, an original musical pantomime for the family, concept, words and music by Steve Rhodes.
Others included posters indicating his performances abroad, some of his interviews in national newspapers, some of his musical equipment, his graduation gowns from various schools, among others.
Friends, family members and associates were entertained by the duo of Yinka Davis and Lagbaja, who sang various songs to the delight of the audience. Kunle Kelani, renowned filmmaker, recalled his past with the late icon:
“The late Steve Rhodes was one of my great mentors. When I was growing up, I had creative uncles and, before I met him, I knew I had an uncle somewhere. When I joined the Western Nigeria Television then, everybody spoke about Steve Rhodes. I am happy to have met him during his life time and he became a mentor to me, and he will remain a source of inspiration to me.
Describing him as one of the first African broadcast managers, a music producer of international reputation, who was able to leave a legacy behind him, he added:
“I believe he has left his footprints on the sand of time. There are some of his works that are not even known, but, without Steve Rhodes, The Steve Rhode Voices has continued to wax stronger, and that will show that, although, he is not with us, he has left a legacy, and he will always be in our memories.”
Prof. Johnson Ekpere, Chairman, Steve Rhodes Foundation (SRF), praised the late musical maestro’s family for keeping the flag flying:
“They have continued to sustain the foundation. I believe his legacies will continue to live on, and the works will be preserved so that people, who want to have a study on him will be able to see something. It is interesting that his songs were great and unique. I believe we are going to preserve all that he has left behind.” Prof. Ekpere, who thought he was much familiar with his works, confessed that he learnt new things with the latest exhibition.
The Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, noted that, if there was anything to take away from the Democracy Day, the day the event took place, it would only be an artistic thing like that event by honouring him and celebrating at least the contributions and productivity the honoree has made to the society.
Soyinka recalled that there were two collections of the late Steve Rhodes that remained in his memory.
“The first was at the opening ceremony of COJA, where I actually saw the continuous display of his works. Also, I had witnessed his group perform at different places. I will appreciate his musical genius.
The second one was short and brief, but long-lasting. I attended one of his performances abroad, but there was a way he sang a Christian song which had ‘Amen’ in it, and when he re-arranged that the song, it was intriguing for me; so, his memories will continue to last long ‘Amen’ in our lives. I congratulate his family of thinking of this way to honour him, and his legacies will always live on,” he said.
Gloria Rhodes, one of the deceased daughters, spoke of his father’s wisdom, especially his way of teaching things to make it indelible. “If you had anything to do with him, you always went away with something. When my father was alive, he was very concerned about the fact that our musical culture was dying, for example, the talking drum, which was passed from one generation to another. He assured that the Steve Rhodes Foundation will continue to strive to preserve, promote and protect his musical culture and legacies. She hinted on holding more exhibitions in his honour and to travelling round the country to exhibit some of his works.
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