The family of late music icon Sonny Okosun has announced plans to remix all his musical works in 2026.
His younger brother, Iwa Okosun, revealed this at the “Make a Widow Smile for Christmas” programme organised by the Advocacy for Widows Empowerment Foundation (ADWEF) at the late singer’s church in Lagos.
“We are determined to prevent the hard-earned legacies of Sonny Okosun from going into oblivion,” he said.
Iwa explained that the project is part of efforts to preserve the Ozzidi exponent’s musical and spiritual legacies. He added that the family has sustained everything the musician left behind, including his ministry, and continues to hold a memorial service every May 23 in his honour.
According to him, Okosun’s children are also involved in maintaining their father’s works. However, he noted that financing remains a major challenge slowing the remix initiative.
Sonny Okosun, born on January 1, 1947, became famous for his unique “Ozzidi sound”, a blend of reggae, highlife, Afrobeat and funk, often used to address themes of freedom, justice and African liberation.
His classics include ‘Fire in Soweto,’ ‘Papa’s Land,’ and ‘Which Way Nigeria?’
Before his death on May 24, 2008, in the United States, Okosun transitioned to gospel music and founded the House of Prayer Ministry in Ogba, Lagos. His gospel album Songs of Praise reportedly sold close to one million copies.
The family believes the remix project will help introduce his music to younger audiences and keep his message alive.
