Danjuma Adamu

1948 - 2015

Danjuma Adamu
Aug. 4, 1948 - Sept. 1, 2015
Resident of Santa Cruz
Treasured Santa Cruz musician and multi-instrumentalist, Danjuma Adamu (Jimi Lee Adams) passed away Sept. 1, 2015, at his home in Santa Cruz, California.
Nigerian born, Danjuma grew up in Lagos but his mother was from Togo. A professional musician from a young age, Danjuma studied composition and became a master multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and singer in Germany.
Fluent on guitar, keyboards, bass, hand drums, drum kit, trumpet, saxophone, you name it, Danjuma was a deep reservoir of musical knowledge. His astonishing musicianship served as inspiration to many fine musicians and loyal fans.
Danjuma, a veteran of the world beat music movement, appeared on the Bay Area scene in the mid 1980s. He began his career in Lagos, Nigeria, in the 1960s and 70s playing with luminaries of West African music, King Sunny Ade, Sonny Okusun, Fela Kuti, Babatunde Olatunji, and other greats. Jimi Lee also performed and recorded with famed South African musicians, Hugh Masakela, and Zulu Spear as well as touring internationally with the Nigerian All Stars. It was with this group that Danjuma first came to America. He, and many of his musical colleagues, including Prince Joni Haastrup, Geoffrey Enibu, Fidel Bateke, Titos Sampa, Babaken Okololo, Samba Ngo, and others have made names for themselves and their bands in the Bay Area and abroad.
Danjuma settled in Santa Cruz, California, shortly after touring with O.J. Ekemode & The Nigerian All Stars. There he formed many long-lasting musical connections and enriched the musicianship of many players in the area with his infectious syncopations and patient instruction. Danjuma remained continually active composing and performing throughout his life, leading many great bands, including the 1990s ensemble Kosono and, more recently, his guitar-driven dance band, Onola. Danjuma always led his bands with stunning stage presence as they explored a broad range of styles from traditional Yoruba music to highlife, soukous, afrobeat, funk, reggae, and beyond.
Danjuma was a musician's musician, inspiring many young and old players to new heights. Known and loved for his infectious smile, warm presence, and generous mentorship, he is a community treasure who leaves us far too soon.
Danjuma will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
His music lives on.
Plans for a concert to celebrate Danjuma's life and music are underway.
Danjuma Adamu is survived by brothers, Adekunle Arogundade, Kolawale Arogundade, Gholah Arogundade, Folarin Arogundade, and sister, Omolola Arogundade-Minett, and his partner, Mandy Loeb.
A funeral service will be held for Danjuma on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 12 pm at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. in Santa Cruz. A visitation will be from 10 am to 12 pm at the chapel. The burial will be held following the service at Santa Cruz Memorial Park. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to write a condolence to the family.