At the age of 91, the renowned Urhobo musician Chief Daniel Iriferi, also referred to as Chief Sally Young has passed away.
According to information obtained by NewsVeo, the well-known Urhobo artist, born in Abraka, in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, passed away on Sunday following a brief illness.
The legendary Urhobo musician ruled the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s with hits like “Oko Oko,” “Weji Vwe Vwo,” and numerous others.
The addition of Chief Sally Young to that era’s Urhobo music gave the sociocultural legacy of the Urhobo people a great deal more depth and significance. This contributed to his rise to fame in the music industry.
Even though word of the well-known Urhobo musician’s passing had already spread over social media, his family had not yet officially confirmed the transition at the time this article was filed.
Leading Urhobo musician Chief Sally Young has inspired gifted Urhobo youngsters worldwide, according to the Ehwe R’Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, Olorogun (Mrs.) Claudia L. Owumi, emphasizes that Sally Young is a music maestro with an enduring memory.
In an online interview with Newsmen, Owumi stated that Sally Young’s songs are motivational and impart knowledge on how to make wise decisions to accomplish one’s own goals as an Urhobo.
Owumi states that Sally Young is a legendary Chief and a living cultural icon who has inspired, emboldened, and motivated other Urhobo sons and daughters who are now successful singers in the Urhobo entertainment industry. Sally Young, a Chief whose cultural diversity is well-defined, has earned the title of “father of Urhobo music.”
“I consider Sally Young to be an idol. He is a legendary, brave, inspirational, and motivational singer who has helped other ethnic groups as well as the Urhobo nation benefit from his songs. All across the African continent, Sally Young has enhanced the entertainment sector.
“If you pay close attention to Sally Young’s music, the inspiration it contains will strengthen your will to achieve all of your goals. Great lyrical remarks in Sally Young’s songs support Urhobo culture and traditions while also offering encouragement to those who are having difficulty obtaining necessities.
Throughout his musical career, Sally Young has prayed and blessed his people, she emphasized, adding, “Sally Young does not discriminate, let alone look at one’s social status.” He has consistently prioritized the Urhobo people in his melodic prayers and blessings.
She said: “We learn from Sally Young to love one another, live in peace, reject all forms of hostility within our own people, and to be proud of our wonderful Urhobo nation. Sally Young’s distinctive highlife vocal style sets his song apart from every other Urhobo tune.
Owumi stated that Sally Young made the decision to set himself apart from other musicians by using instruments and a sound that were distinctive and alluring to the human ear. She also revealed that Sally Young’s words were strategically put within the song lyrics to create a clear message.
“Sally Young is the pioneer father of Urhobo highlife music,” the speaker continued. He is regarded as a great Urhobo musician, a renowned artist, a master of Urhobo culture, and a musical genius of his day. The dancers performed a love song for his Urhobo people while using Sally Young’s music.
“Sally Young has long been underappreciated and an integral component of our sociocultural evolution, but the Urhobo people have unjustly denied him a spot in the music industry’s Hall of Fame. The Chief Sally Young Initiative was founded as a result of the Urhobo people’s interest in Nigeria and around the world being disregarded.