I Can Compose Up To 30 Songs In One Day - Obey

By Tope Olukole

Chief Ebenezer Obey

The Chief Commander, Evangelist (Dr.) Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi churned out hit after hit from the early 60s to the late 70s, leaving people wondering how he made such epic compositions.

In a chat with him, he exclusively revealed what was responsible for his evergreen compositions, which are now being repackaged for his numerous fans across the globe.

“When I am in the mood to compose, I can compose up to 30 songs in one day. If a song is good, you know it; you feel it. A good song must have a good melody. If the melody isn’t catchy or arresting, the record won’t make it.

"It came to a point that everything became spontaneous. When I wanted to go for recording, I didn’t necessarily need to think seriously of what I would sing. Most of my compositions were done live on stage. I would be on stage and the melody, together with the lyrics, would come.

"Many times, the melody would come to me on stage and my band boys would be wondering how the ideas came. I believe everything comes from God. The Almighty breathes down the music into me.

"At times, when the spirit to sing a new song came, it would hit me and I would tell my boys that I wanted to sing; that something in me was telling me that I had to sing. So, everybody must get ready.

"When they saw me in that mood, the boys were always happy. They would cheer and shout, “Oga!” Immediately, the guitarist would start striking the chords, and the music would just be flowing and everybody would be playing his part as if we had all rehearsed.”

Indeed, for over 30 years that he was active on the scene, Obey held sway at the very commanding height of Juju music, with a wide following, not only here in Nigeria, but throughout Africa and Europe.

"And while most of his contemporaries were deeply rooted in the entertainment side of the music business, Chief Ebenezer Obey always recognised the potent force of music as a vehicle for social reformation and mobilisation. Hence his brand of Juju music which he called Miliki sound had always been something celestial and divine, philosophically deep and thoughtful, giving his music a cutting edge as an escape route from pains and worries of this world.

Aftermath Of Malaika And Kanmy-Jackson Show In Ibadan

By Tope Olukole

Kanmy Jackson

Penultimate Friday will remain a bad day for night crawlers, music buffs and entertainment stars in Ibadan in Oyo State. Venue was Kitchenette Inn, Yemetu, Total Garden, Ibadan – a celebrity hang out.

It was less than 15 minutes after the show ended at 5:15 that Saturday morning. Sule Alao Malaika, who recently returned to Nigeria narrowly escaped from the Area Boys. His supporting artiste, the Ibadan-based Fuji music champion, Suliman Akanmu Ademola (Kanmy Jackson) also was just lucky.

As he moved into his brand new Toyota Camry car parked off the road to settle some of his band boys and Area Boys, a v-boot Mercedes Benz with no registration number sped down from the Total Garden end of the road, and heading towards Bere, hit knocked down six people at a go. Apparently, the driver was drunk.

Sympathisers pursued him with a commercial motorcycle (okada) and caught up with him as he ran into a pit and his two front tyres burst. The driver, along with a lady named Toyin, were taken to the Mapo Police station.

Showbiz sources gathered that two people died instantly among Kanmy Jackson's group who were by the roadside. They were Mr. Wakili Yinusa, a.k.a Dende, who was one of the Masters of Ceremonies; and one Nurudeen.

Four of Kanmy Jackson's band members who sustained serious injuries were Waidi Alao, Sunday Adebiyi, Ganiyu Alado and Gbenga – the keyboardist. All of them are now receiving treatment at a traditional orthopedic home.
Our source added that if not for providence and sheer mother luck, Kanmy Jackson himself would have been dead by now, as he had earlier stood where the deceased were, only to board his car to fetch money for the disturbing Area Boys, when tragedy struck. He also landed in a hospital, but was discharged a few hours later.
Showbiz sources added that the dead had been buried. The alleged drunk driver is said to be a state security service officer attached to the Oyo State Police Command, Iyaganku.