Bernard Olabinjo Benson was born in 1921. He was from Ikorodu, Lagos State. Benson attended Enitonia High School in Port Harcourt and later C.M.S Grammar School in Lagos for his primary and secondary education. Bobby founded the Negro Ballet and toured Europe’s capital cities. Bobby Benson and Cassandra Theatrical Group was founded after he returned to Nigeria with his wife, Cassandra, whom he met in Britain. Bobby is widely regarded as the uncontested father of Nigerian Highlife music. Bobby was so taken with the rhythms of Highlife music that he waxed the song “Taxi Driver,” which went on to become a classic hit in West Africa and was covered by several other musicians.

Bobby was a brilliant entertainer and comic whose charming demeanor enthralled his audience and got the party started on the dance floor. Bobby’s band has included prominent musicians such as Dr. Victor Olaiya, Eddy Okonta, Roy Chicago, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Bayo Martins, and Zeal Onyia. He is the first Nigerian to own both a nightclub (Caban Bamboo) and a hotel. Some of his other timeless hits include “Gentleman Bobby,” “Iyawo se wo lo se mi,” and so on. Benson died on Saturday, May 14, 1983, in Lagos.