Entertainment
Ebenezer Obey: Celebrating a legend at 79
I grew up in a neighborhood where music from loudspeakers was some kind of competition
On our street was a record store which attracted customers by how loud the music was. Adjacent to our house was a palm wine shop that sold its product by playing the rave of the moment in the music industry on a loop.
In the neighborhood were also other residents who regaled everyone with their rich collection of music albums.
It was a permanent cacophony.
There was one artist in this confusion that stood out, Chief Ebenezar Obey, the Juju maestro. I did not start off liking his music. As a young boy with latent adrenalin, I was drawn to faster paced music played by the likes of King Sunny Ade and Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Except for such classics as The Horseman and Board Members, Obey’s music hardly appealed to me.
As the years have passed,I have learned to appreciate why the older generation chose Obey as their favorite musician. His music tempers the tumult of daily pressure. It is a soothing balm for a society that is in turmoil.
But most importantly, his music and message have transcended generations.
Obey has consistently been a musician of conscience. His compositions speak to all social ills and offer succour to the bereaved, the aggrieved and the frustrated. In political circles, he has demonstrated an attribute not common in our climes. On a number of occasions,he turned down generous offers to play live at functions set up by politicians against those whom he had publicly identified with.
His legacy as a musician will be remembered with gratitude and affection by future generations. If you are in doubt, consider how his classics like the special tracks on Christmas, Board members, Marriage etc are still in popular demand, decades after their initial release.
Happy 79th Birthday to the Chief Commander, Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi, MFR.
Long may the good times roll.
Professor Adeolu Akande, a Journalist, Author, Scholar, Political Scientist and Chairman, NCC wrote from Ibadan
Nigerian singer and humanitarian Sean Dampte has expressed deep concern over reports of mass abductions and growing insecurity across communities in South-West Nigeria, calling for urgent action to protect lives and restore public confidence.
In a heartfelt statement, Dampte lamented the fear and uncertainty facing families, students, and educators in affected communities. He stressed that no child should leave home for school only to become the subject of desperate prayers before returning safely, and that no teacher should have to work under the constant threat of abduction.
Describing the situation as a national concern that transcends politics, ethnicity, religion, and social media debates, the entertainer emphasised that real lives and families are being affected by the crisis.
“My heart is heavy over the reports of mass abductions and the fear spreading across communities in South-West Nigeria,” he said, adding that the pain experienced by victims and their loved ones should never be ignored or normalised.
Sean Dampte expressed solidarity with affected families and communities living in fear, while also joining other Nigerians in demanding immediate and decisive action from authorities. He urged relevant security agencies and government institutions to strengthen the protection of schools, secure vulnerable communities, and ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.
The singer concluded by reiterating his vision for a safer nation, stating that “Nigeria must be a place where children can dream without fear.”
Popular Nigerian singer, Adekunle Kosoko, better known as Adekunle Gold, and his wife, Simisola Kosoko, also known as Simi, have welcomed a set of twin babies.
The singer announced the good news via his Snapchat story on Wednesday.
“Asked God for another child and He blessed me double,” Simi wrote.
Although the gender of the babies has not been disclosed, the announcement has since attracted congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues and well-wishers across the entertainment industry.
The development comes months after Simi had hinted at her pregnancy. In December, she shared a video on Instagram, captioned, “From my baby, for my babies,” with the clip showing her baby bump.
The arrival of the twins also comes weeks after Simi featured in a snippet from Adekunle Gold’s recently released music video titled My Love Is the Same.
Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration. Both artistes were formerly signed to X3M Music early in their careers and have since remained one of Nigeria’s most celebrated celebrity couples.
The couple welcomed their first child, Adejare Kosoko, fondly called Deja, in May 2020.
Renowned Tungba gospel musician, Dr Yinka Ayefele, has released a new studio album titled Reflections, adding another chapter to his long-standing influence in Nigeria’s gospel music scene.
The album, which was released on Monday, December 22, 2025, blends introspection with praise, as Ayefele reflects on life, faith and gratitude to God, drawing from personal experiences marked by trials, near-tragedies and triumphs.
Announcing the release in a statement, the Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Fresh Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited, Samson Akindele, said the album captures the musician’s deep reflections on life and his renewed commitment to thanksgiving and praise through music.
Musically, Reflections is rooted in Ayefele’s signature Tungba style, featuring energetic drum percussions, rich string arrangements and call-and-response patterns, supported by harmonious backup vocals from the Merry Makers Band.
The album also incorporates diverse elements, including Tungba hymnals and an Arabic praise chant rendered by a budding female talent, Harike Jesu, who additionally delivers a danceable Fuji-inspired track.
According to details of the project, the opening track focuses on Ayefele’s life journey and lessons drawn from past experiences, while subsequent tracks express appreciation to fans and sustain a flow of upbeat, dance-friendly rhythms.
Reflections is available on major digital streaming and download platforms, including Spotify, Boomplay, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Audiomack, YouTube Music, Deezer and Tidal.
The compact disc version is expected to be released in the coming days under the Yinka Ayefele Music label.
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