The Steve Rhodes Centenary Celebration The Iba Ajie Centre and The Africa Centre present: The Steve Rhodes Centenary Celebration: Stephen Bankole Rhodes (1926-2008) is rightly celebrated as one of Africa’s finest musicologists and pioneer broadcasters. Born of mixed parentage (Nigeria/Sierra Leone/Fernando Po), his long, illustrious career saw him veer into music after graduating from Oxford University, and iconic Highlife recordings and performances in London in the 1950s. He went on to study music in Germany and founded one of Africa’s most famous choral groups - The Steve Rhodes Voices, after a pioneering career as the first African producer in Africa’s first Television Station - WNTV Ibadan. He was also the first manager of the legend Fela Kuti. The event shall feature a photo exhibition and short bio-documentaries on his life and work and a panel session on the Steve Rhodes legacy. The Lagos Afrofunk Collective, a gathering of veterans some of Africa’s finest ensembles, such as Osibisa, The Funkees, Lagbaja, Wizkid, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Onyeka Onwenu, The Rex Lawson Memorial Band. Special guest artiste: Themba Matebese (T-Fire). The South African born stepson of the legend Steve Rhodes, and veteran of the 1960s and 1970s London Afro-Rock scene. He proudly highlights a 60 year career with recordings and performances with icons like Osibisa, Jimmy Cliff, Ginger Johnson, Segun Bucknor Teemac’s Afro-Collection, the Steve Rhodes Voices, Basa Basa and his own band T-Fire. He also featured in the soundtrack of film ‘The Wilby Conspiracy’ starring Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine. This is a long awaited return for Themba to the Africa Centre, after over 3 decades - all in celebration of his stepfather - the Icon Steve Rhodes. Book Manage Cookie Preferences