Remembering the Lagos-born guitarist whose friendship shaped the early musical journey of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti
Early Life in Lagos
Jimoh Kombi Braimah, popularly known as J.K. Braimah, was born in 1935 in Lagos. Growing up in the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Lagos during the colonial era, he developed a strong passion for music at an early age.
Braimah eventually became a guitarist, joining one of the most influential bands of the time, the Cool Cats Band, led by the legendary highlife musician Victor Olaiya. The band played a key role in popularising highlife music in Nigeria during the 1950s.
Meeting Fela Kuti
Braimah’s life took a historic turn in 1954 when he met a young musician named Fela Kuti in Lagos. At the time, Fela was still exploring his musical path and had not yet become the global Afrobeat icon he would later become.
Recognising Fela’s potential, Braimah introduced him to Victor Olaiya, which opened the door for Fela to briefly perform with the Cool Cats Band as a trumpeter and singer. Although the collaboration was short, it provided Fela with valuable early performance experience.
Musical Journey in London
In the late 1950s, Braimah relocated to London, which at the time was a hub for African students and musicians. Not long after, Fela joined him there, and the two friends continued their musical collaboration abroad.
In 1959, Braimah and Fela formed a band called The Highlife Rakers, alongside pianist Wole Bucknor. The group experimented with highlife and jazz influences, reflecting the evolving musical environment of the African diaspora in Britain.
Although The Highlife Rakers did not last long, the experience contributed to Fela’s musical development.
The Road Toward Afrobeat
Following the dissolution of the Highlife Rakers, Fela later formed Koola Lobitos, the band that would eventually evolve into the Afrobeat movement.
Afrobeat—characterised by a fusion of highlife, jazz, funk, and traditional Yoruba rhythms—would later become one of the most influential African music genres globally.
While Braimah did not directly participate in the later Afrobeat revolution, his early support and friendship were part of the foundation of Fela’s journey.
A Lifelong Friendship
Despite living most of his life in London, Braimah maintained a remarkably enduring friendship with Fela Kuti. Their bond extended beyond music into personal loyalty and shared experiences during the early days of their careers.
Their relationship reflects the deep connections among Nigerian musicians during the formative years of modern African popular music.
Passing and Legacy
J.K. Braimah passed away in London after a prolonged illness. Though he lived largely outside Nigeria, his story remains closely connected to the early history of Nigerian highlife and the formative years of Afrobeat.
He is remembered not only as a talented guitarist but also as a key early companion in the life of one of Africa’s greatest musicians.
References
Fela Kuti biographical records and Afrobeat history archives
Victor Olaiya historical accounts of the Cool Cats Band
Bimbola Babarinde Archives – Historical notes on Jimoh Kombi Braimah and early Nigerian music history
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