The oldest surviving member of Cardinal Rex Lawson’s band is Pa Tony Odili, who is currently 99 years old. As the lead drummer, Pa Tony played a pivotal role in shaping the highlife sound that defined Lawson’s music during the 1960s. Affectionately known as “Papa,” he remains a living legend and continues to showcase his drumming skills, preserving the legacy of Nigerian highlife music.
Pa Tony Odili has been featured in recent videos demonstrating his enduring talent and passion for music:
The Cardinal Rex Lawson Band, also known as the Mayor’s Dance Band, was one of the most influential highlife bands in Nigeria during the 1960s. Founded by Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, the group was instrumental in popularizing highlife music—a genre blending African rhythms, jazz, and Western instruments.
Formation and Early Years
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Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer, was born in Kalabari, Rivers State, Nigeria. He began his musical career as a trumpeter before forming his own band.
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The band was formed in the late 1950s to early 1960s and quickly became a sensation in the highlife scene.
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It was based in Port Harcourt and frequently performed at dance halls, nightclubs, and major events across Nigeria and West Africa.
Style and Impact
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The band’s music blended traditional Kalabari influences with the modern highlife style. Rex Lawson’s soulful and emotive voice, combined with the band’s polished instrumentals, gave them a unique sound.
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Hits like Sawale, Jolly Papa, and Love Adure became anthems, resonating with fans from diverse backgrounds.
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Their songs often carried themes of love, cultural identity, and societal issues, making them relatable and timeless.
Tragedy and Legacy
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In 1971, Rex Lawson tragically passed away in a car accident at the young age of 36, marking the end of an era for the band.
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Despite this, the band’s music has continued to influence generations of musicians in Nigeria and beyond.
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Surviving members, such as Pa Tony Odili, have helped keep the band’s legacy alive by sharing their stories and performing the iconic music.
The Cardinal Rex Lawson Band remains a cornerstone of Nigerian musical history, celebrated for its contribution to highlife music and cultural heritage.
