A Nigerian man, Mike Awoyinfa, recently had his extensive vinyl record collection taken away by his twin son, Kehinde Awoyinfa. The collection, comprising almost 50 records, included albums by renowned artists such as Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Fela. Kehinde, managing director of Triangle, a Lagos-based company that designs and installs high-end hi-fi audio systems, claimed that vinyl records are back in vogue.
The man's record collection was more than just a set of black plastic discs; it was the soundtrack of his life. Each album evoked memories of his youth, rooms where he listened to music, people who were still alive in his memory but had disappeared from the world, and old friendships, loves, ambitions, and disappointments. The collection included albums by Nigerian artists such as Majek Fashek, Shina Peters, King Sunny Ade, and Ebenezer Obey.
Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity, attracting both old music lovers and younger listeners who appreciate the physical connection with music that they provide. The tactile experience of pulling a record out of its sleeve, placing it on a turntable, and hearing the crackle before the music begins is a unique experience that digital music cannot replicate.
The man's son, Kehinde, may have seen the records as mere vinyl, but his father saw them as a part of his life. The records were evidence that he had lived, listened, and created. One of the records, by Julie Pip of Denyo fame, even carried three songs written by the man himself. The collection was a library of sound, and its removal has left the man feeling like he has lost a part of himself.
The man is set to undergo cataract surgery to improve his eyesight, but he hopes that his new eyes will not make him forget the memories attached to his records. He wants to hold onto the memories of the music, people, places, and voices that are associated with his collection. The experience has taught him that the value of such items lies not in their market price but in the memories they evoke.
The incident has sparked a conversation about the importance of preserving memories and the emotional value of personal items. The man's story highlights the significance of holding onto items that have sentimental value, even if they may seem insignificant to others. As Kehinde begins to build his own music collection, he may come to understand the value of his father's records.
The man's record collection may be gone, but the music and memories it held are still with him. He notes that while his son may have taken the vinyl, he could not take away the music or the memories. The experience has shown that music has the power to transcend physical objects and remain etched in our memories forever.
Key points
- A Nigerian man's extensive vinyl record collection was taken away by his son, sparking nostalgia and memories of the past.
