Akinyemi (Yemi) Olugbenga BABATUNDE (a.k.a XAREN)

Akinyemi (popularly known as Yemi) was born on June 4th 1966 in Northern Nigeria to
Engineer & Mrs A. F. A. Babatunde both of blessed memory. His nuclear family includes 3
sisters and 2 brothers and he was born during a civil war in the Northern Nigerian region.

The name Akinyemi is of African Yoruba origin and it means "Fearless, Fated to be a warrior"
while the name Olugbenga means "God has lifted me up".

Yemi completed his primary education at St. Saviours Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos
and proceeded to Federal Government College (Ijanikin), Lagos for his secondary education.

He bagged a BSc. (Hons) in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos after which he
proceeded to the United States of America in 1988.

He was a gifted singer, musician, composer, song writer, producer and director. Amongst his
achievements in the music industry, was the production of the Men of Vizion (MOV) album
in 1999 (under the MJJ/SONY music label), as well as meeting and working with numerous
popular artists including Teddy Riley, the late Michael Jackson and popular composers like
Rodney "DarkChild" Jerkins, to mention a few.

Yemi also built and successfully operated Xaren Corporation , his Environmental Consulting
& Construction Management Company in the US, for many years.

Yemi passed away in Florida and is survived by a wife, his 4 children and extended family.

We will especially miss his incredible talent, fearless heart and warrior spirit.

Rest in perfect peace, XAREN.