Ebenezer Obey

**Ebenezer Obey: Chief Commander of Jùjú Music** Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi (born April 3, 1942), widely known as Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, is a highly influential Nigerian singer, bandleader, composer, and guitarist. He is recognized as a seminal figure in the reinvention and modernization of Jùjú music, a popular Nigerian music style. Obey's career spans over seven decades, during which he pioneered the Jùjú genre with innovative use of drums and conversational lyrics, establishing himself as one of Nigeria's most celebrated musical icons. **Early Life and Education** Ebenezer Obey was born on April 3, 1942, at Massey Street Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. He hails from Idogo, Ogun State, Nigeria, and is of the Owu subgroup of the Egba-Yoruba ethnic background. He was raised in a Christian household and his early exposure to music began in the church, where he contributed as a young vocalist to hymns and praise songs. His formal education included attending school where his musical inclination led him to become a member and eventually the leader of the school band. He also remained active in the church choir. In 1963, he married Juliana Olaide Olufade, who passed away in 2011. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Obey's musical journey commenced in the mid-1950s. He started his professional career after moving from Idogo to Lagos, where he began his tutelage as a musician. He rose to prominence in the Nigerian music scene in the mid-1960s with his band, the International Brothers, which was later renamed the Inter-Reformers Band in the early 1970s. Obey revolutionized Jùjú music by introducing a greater emphasis on drums, incorporating intricate guitar work, and shifting the thematic focus from purely romantic themes to social and spiritual commentary. His work ethic led to a prolific output, recording close to 100 records over his active career, including approximately 50 LPs. His popular appellation, "Chief Commander," reflects his immense popularity and stature in the Nigerian music industry. **Notable Works and Current Status** Throughout his peak years in the 1960s and 1970s, Obey released numerous hit records, blending traditional Yoruba percussion with modern instrumentation. His notable works include albums like *Je Ka Jo* (1983) and singles such as "Iwa Ika Ko Pe" (1974) and "Operation Feed the Nation" (1976). He is considered a pioneer who evolved Jùjú music into a more sophisticated and globally appealing genre. In his later career, Obey transitioned into Christian evangelism and gospel music, using his platform to spread religious messages. Currently, he is an evangelist and gospel musician. He remains active in public life and focuses on philanthropic and educational efforts, including the Ebenezer Obey Innovation Hub in Ogun State. He also owns a cassette manufacturing company in Ogun State.