The Merry Makers Band

Early life

Dr Yinka Ayefele was born in Ekiti State southwestern Nigeria and hails from Ipoti, a city in Ekiti State southwestern Nigeria.[4] He had attended Our Saviours Anglican Primary School in Ipoti-Ekiti for his primary and secondary education before he later proceeded to Ondo State College of Arts and Science in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.[5]

Career

Ayefele worked briefly as journalist and broadcaster at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan, where he also produced jingles and musical works on radio.[6] He began his music career in 1997 after he was involved in an automobile accident which damaged his spinal cord and confined him to a wheelchair.[7][8] While in the hospital after spending about 9 months, his friend, Kola Olawuyi visited and advised him to put some songs together.[9] This suggestion resulted in the release of his debut album titled, Bitter Experience in 1998 which brought him into limelight.[10] The release of Bitter experience was followed by the release of Sweet Experience.[11] Other albums released by the gospel musician are Something Else, Divine Intervention and Life after death, released in honor of Gbenga Adeboye a Nigerian radio presenter, musician and comedian.[12] The title Bitter Experience reflected his ordeal and Sweet Experience was the sweetness after a "Bitter Experience".[13]

Awards and honours

He had received over 200 awards.[14] Among other awards are:

Member of the Order of the Niger awarded by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2011)

Ekiti cultural ambassador award