1908 - 1980 Person Name: A. T. Olajide Olude Composer of "JESU A FE PADE" in Psalter Hymnal (Gray) Revd. (Dr.) Abraham Taiwo Olajide OLUDE was born at Abeokuta on July 16, 1908, to the family of Chief & Mrs. Joseph Sotayo Olude of Ikereku-Ikija, Abeokuta, Nigeria. He had his primary education at Ikereku Anglican Primary School, Abeokuta and later at Agbeni Methodist School, Ibadan. In 1921, he enrolled at Wesley College, Ibadan, where he distinguished himself as a brilliant scholar and a keen sportsman. He obtained the then Junior Cambridge Certificate and successfully completed the Sub-Pastor’s course in 1925. He remained at the same College till 1934 when he passed out as a full fledge Minister of Religion and was eventually ordained a Methodist Minister in 1938. He served the Church at various location both within the Northern and Southern parts of the country and was at a time, the Chairman of the Western Nigeria District of the old Methodist Church.
He was a musician of great repute, a highly prolific writer and composer, who along with his pastoral responsibilities, composed several melodious songs and folklore tunes in his native dialect – Yoruba. He was convinced that the Great Commission was easier achieved through musical compositions using the native language and available musical instruments of talking drums, flutes, etc, as accompaniments. A number of such local gospel songs and melodies, he incorporated in his much sort-after songbooks –“MAYOKUN, IYE ati IYIN, - folklore tunes, composed to suit various occasions, times and seasons.” These became the arrow-head and vehicle utilized in propagating the Word of God and his other Ministry at large. Among his small court of admirers and friends were the likes of Dr. Fela Sowande, the world-acclaimed musicologist of is time, who in no small measure greatly assisted Revd. Olude in attaining both national and international recognition. Others included erudite organists like Sir. M. O. Ajose, Messrs. Olaoluwa Omideyi, T. A. Bankole and G. Pope Dopemu – the young organist of the ‘Mayokun Musical Party’ with which Rev. A. T. Olude carried out his scriptural and musical crusades across the nation
Revd. A. T. Olude was accorded the National honour of the Member of the Order of Niger- (M.O.N) in 1965 and honorary Doctorate Degree in Music by the University of Ife on May 15. 1967 – Both, awards in recognition of his great efforts at promoting indigenous Yoruba Church Music in Nigeria. Along his musical composition, he published other powerful prayer books which greatly assist – (i) relieving the heart of stress and the fears associated with daily living, and (ii) lifting up the soul in penitence and thanksgiving to God. These titles are:
• So fun Jesu
• Ipin Ayo l’oni
• Ase L’oruko Oluwa
On May 30 1980, this great soldier of the cross finally breathed his last to join the Church Triumphant. His body was buried in Lagos. In his memory, the Conference of the Methodist Church of Nigeria in 1992, posthumously awarded him, the Knighthood of Charles Wesley (KCW) , in appreciation of his laudable contributions to the growth and development of indigenous Sacred music in Nigeria and in particular, the Methodist Church.
Wale Ogunbekun, with information provided by Olude's son
A. T. Olá Olude
My Starred Hymns
My FlexScores
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files
