Charity party will honour legend
Nov 3 2007 by Jane Hall, The Journal
FOR nearly a quarter of a century, he captured the fun and excitement of the region’s nightlife.
Photographer Yemi Sobo’s smiling face was a familiar sight around the pubs and clubs of Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
During his life, he caught tens of thousands of people partying at some of the best-known bars in the region; marvellous moments frozen on film for ever. But sadly, while his work still remains, Yemi is gone – his life wiped out in a tragedy beyond comprehension.
Last November, the 41-year-old was stabbed to death alongside his sister Liz, 36, and her children Abigail, 12, and Steven, five, at the family home in Kenton, Newcastle.
Liz’s ex-partner Neil Crampton is awaiting trial accused of their murders.
The crime has shattered the lives of Yemi’s mother Tunde and her one remaining son Yinka. But on November 11, Tunde, 74, and Yinka, 46, will join more than 1,000 people at a party at the Federation Brewery in Gateshead to remember the family.
And the crowds will be able to see no fewer than 7,000 of Yemi’s photographs flashed across a giant screen.
Organisers are hoping to raise money for the Abigail and Steven Crampton Trust, which was set up in memory of the children. Abigail was a talented musician and the plan is to raise at least £25,000 to help other musical youngsters achieve their ambitions.
Organisers also plan to raise cash for the haematology unit at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, where Yemi was treated for the sickle cell condition from which he suffered. But they also hope the guests will simply revel in the memories evoked by Yemi’s work. Bob Senior, who runs a chain of bars in the region and was friends with Yemi, said: “It’s going to be a really good night. It should be really nostalgic with people being able to see photographs of themselves from all those years ago. We want as many people as possible to turn out on the night to show their support for the family.”
Nick Bradley, an advertising company boss, was a close friend. He has set up a website in Yemi’s memory, www.yemi.co.uk, where sales of his photos have raised more than £5,500 for the fund. Nick said: “Yemi and I first met in the late 80s in Eldon Square. He was running his infamous T-shirt bar and I was selling a daft board game I’d invented. We were both young men trying to make a few quid. Since then, we’ve always been pals.
“Anyone that was anybody on Tyneside knew Yemi. He had become a legend on the party scene. During the 90s I was involved in the running of various nightclubs and events. I could use all the tricks in the book to fill a venue, but there was always one sure-fire way to make a party happen – invite Yemi.
“Invariably he would turn up with a huge group of mates and we’d be off and running. Recently Yemi had been pestering me to set him up a website so he could put his photos online. I feel guilty that we didn’t get round to doing it before he died, which is what compelled me to get it online after his death.
“Hundreds of people connected with Newcastle nightlife have sent in tributes and they are all online to see. I hope everyone that ever met Yemi or was photographed by him over the years will make an effort to come.”
The Respect event will be held at the Lancastrian suite of the Federation Brewery at 6.30pm on November 11. See www.yemi.co.uk
