It's the sheer joyousness of El fata's music that hits you first, an impact created by the warm sincerity of his vocals, and a succession of uplifting melodies, conscious lyrics, and blend of musical styles. Born in Lagos Nigeria,he started out as a drummer in his school band, during his teens, he discovered reggae music and turned singer after being inspired by Jamaican acts such as Michael Rose, Don Carlos, Gregory Isaacs, Bob Marley, Cocoa Tea and Dennis Brown. At the age of nineteen, he was fronting a band that toured the country, performing a mix of original material and cover versions. Three years later, in 1996 after their residency at the Lagos Hilton came to an end; he left Nigeria to Cote d’ivoire and embarked on a solo career. It was there he began composing songs in both English and French, and recorded his debut album, The coming of El fata, which appeared in 1999. He and The Living spirit band were a popular draw at festivals and concerts throughout Cote d’ivoire until 2004, when he move to England and chance encounter with left field reggae outfit Bamjimba. Wakeye Wakey, recorded and mixed at the Mad Professor's Ariwa studio,was their first collaboration. El fata has done many releases and continue to work with various producers across the globe.