YK Ajadi, Celebrating the Unforgettable Apala Icon of Ijebu-Igbo by Ayo Marvel

— A MarvelTvUpdates Investigation by Ayo Marvel (with verified family sources)

Late Alhaji Chief Yekini Kolade Yusuf, popularly known as YK Ajadi, was born on April 3, 1943, in Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo. His father, Yusuf, was a carpenter from Oke-Agbo, while his mother, Madam Saratu Jolade, hailed from the Atikori/Ojowo area. YK Ajadi grew up in Oke-Agbo, where he later lived at Oke Erefon.

He attended the Muslim School at Igbaire, Oke-Sopen, Ijebu-Igbo. From a young age, music called out to him. In 1955, at just 12 years old, he joined Sefiu Ayan’s Apala Band as an agidigbo player, becoming the youngest member of the group. When the band leader, Sefiu, died in 1962, the group needed a new direction. YK Ajadi boldly stepped forward and began to sing, fulfilling his dream of becoming a lead vocalist.

By 1966, he formed his own band named Y.K. Ajadi and His Apala Melody Band, beginning a musical journey that would make him one of the most respected Apala voices of his generation.

YK Ajadi recalled that he began using his personal car early in life, owning one as far back as 1964, a sign of the success his music brought him. Known for his powerful, melodious voice, he became a leading figure in the Apala Ijebu genre, with a sound admired across Nigeria and beyond.

During his lifetime, Alhaji Yekini Kolade Yusuf was honored with several Muslim and traditional titles, including Aare Amuludun of Ijebu Land, Turaki Adini of Ijebu-Igbo, and Akogun Beje Roku of Oke-Agbo.

His career took him outside the country, performing in places like Cotonou and Gabon. His work also attracted top musicians. Haruna Ishola’s drummer, Ojubanire, joined his band, a move that sparked controversy between Ajadi and the legendary Apala maestro Haruna Ishola.

YK Ajadi’s respect in the music world extended beyond Apala. He saw the great IK Dairo as a mentor, describing him as a kind and supportive figure. He was also a close friend of the music legend King Sunny Ade, who frequently visited him at his home in Ijebu-Igbo.

He was known for being bold, fearless, and straightforward, with a unique Apala sound that set him apart.

Over the course of his life, he recorded over 100 songs and performed countless live shows, leaving behind a rich legacy of rhythm, culture, and storytelling.

In December 2010, when his mother, Madam Saraki Jolade, passed away, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister flew in from abroad to perform at her burial ceremony held at Molusi College field another sign of the high regard the music community had for YK Ajadi.

**Alhaji YK Ajadi with** **Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister**

During his musical career, YK Ajadi worked with several popular record labels companies, including Stars Records, Decca Records, Overblow Records and many others. He was also the first singer to record for the Thomson family at Ibikun Orisun Iye, who are descendants from Ijebu-Igbo.

Alhaji YK Ajadi passed away on September 13, 2016 at the aged of 73 and he survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. His influence lives on, and his music remains a timeless treasure in the history of Apala.

Apala is a traditional Yoruba music genre that the rhythm is calming but powerful, and the message is always meaningful, about life, society, respect, and wisdom.

YK Ajadi’s journey in music places him among the pioneers of Apala, alongside great artists such as Saliu Ajiko, Haruna Ishola, Sefiu Ayan, Ayinla Omowura, Ajao Oru, Kasumu Adio, all of whom helped shape Apala into a respected and powerful musical tradition.

MarvelTvUpdates, through Ayo Marvel’s investigation and verified family accounts, celebrates YK Ajadi, the Apala legend whose voice and impact will never be forgotten.

Listed below are a few of the timeless songs recorded by the late Alhaji YK Ajadi.