Music legend, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, remains a delight during interactions, showcasing an extraordinary memory for time, events, and circumstances. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, the evergreen musician speaks about life as he approaches his 83rd birthday in just a few days precisely April 3rd. He also reveals the secret behind his enduring relevance in the music scene for over 68 years!
YOU have been blessed with one of your evergreen songs, “Igba owuro la wa, Oba je k’ale o san ni, je k’ale san wa o, Baba je k’aye ye wa…” You will be turning 83 in a few days. How do you feel about this prophecy coming to pass, especially as a successful musician?
I give thanks to God who created man in His image and brought me into this world 83 years ago. I am grateful for His faithfulness. God has a plan for every person He has brought to this earth, and I am happy for His plan for my life, which I have navigated phase by phase. God has indeed been faithful, and I cannot thank Him enough.
These 83 years have been filled with great experiences—times of struggle, answers to my prayers, and a journey that has certainly not been smooth. I have encountered various phases of life, beginning with my struggle to find a recording company to produce and release my music. I finally found my way to Decca, and I refer to that period as “Phase One.” I walked from Mushin to the Decca office in Lagos, determined enough that I was ready to trek back if necessary.
I sensed God’s presence that day as I faced the challenges ahead. This is a well-known story about me. God has been so good to me, and I must thank my parents: my late mother, Mrs Abigail Oyindamola Fabiyi (née Toriola) from Owu in Abeokuta; my late father, Chief Nathaniel Olasewo Fabiyi from Keesi, Abeokuta; my late sister, Mrs Grace Olasunmbo Keyede; and my late brother, Elder Clement Seye Kembi.
I am also grateful for the people God has sent into my life to help me. Throughout my life, He has provided me with helpers, and I wish to express my gratitude to everyone He has used for my benefit. Among them, there is one person whose name I prefer not to mention, but God knows who he is—a man of special love and care for me; a father that God blessed me with. As I said earlier, I recognise and appreciate everyone God has placed in my path.
Reflecting on your experiences, how has it been in the last 83 years?
I can never forget the health challenges I faced at various points in my life, which led to numerous surgeries. I thank God for granting me victory over those trials. I have been rumoured dead more than 12 times, yet God’s verdict keeps me alive. This is why I continue to live with a heart full of gratitude. Despite the health challenges I’ve endured—and the victories I have celebrated—I still travel far and near to play music at 83. This can only be attributed to God, and I return all the glory to Him. This is why I am celebrating the faithfulness of God in my life.
You have remained evergreen for over six decades and still relevant in the music scene. Your brand and name resonate beyond your fans; how do you feel about this privilege?
This gives me joy, and I thank God for the grace. However, it’s important to remember that with this privilege also comes challenges. You cannot exist in this world without enemies. I have many adversaries who wish for my downfall, but God has always placed me above my distractors. Many falsehoods have been spread about me, which are untrue, but I thank God. One of my songs expresses this sentiment: “Tani nro t’emi fun l’aye, aya fi Baba l’oke…” In another song, when I was under pressure from my enemies, I expressed my feelings to God: “Yee Oluwa mi gba mi l’owo ota k’emi mase po fo…”
I have always been focused on my path, and I don’t understand why some people perceive me as being against them. Many of my songs stem from my curiosity about why my enemies seem to be targeting me. One of my songs says, “Eniyan o le wa l’aye la lai ni ota, eda o le wa l’aye lalai ni ota kankan, amo to ba je ni pa t’emi mo ti fi oro mi l’Oluwa l’owo, epo ila to gb’ara e l’owo obe, werepe gb’ara e gba igi oko.” Honestly, my enemies have attempted to cause significant damage in my life, but I thank God for vindicating me. Another music of mine reflects, “…bo je te mi pelu ara Ile mi oo, oba Oluwa la o ma sin oo…”. When I released the song: “Mo gbe oju mi so ke si o edumare…”, I felt a profound connection with God. He knows everything and is the best source for lasting solutions.
If I may ask, who are these enemies, or is it a spiritual attack?
No one can go through life without facing enemies and distractions, but God has granted me victory over them all. What truly interests me now is the extraordinary and divine success that God has allowed me to achieve. For this reason, I will continue to celebrate God’s faithfulness in my life.
Some people might not realise that many of your songs reflect your personal experiences. How did you approach creating such philosophical works?
Much of my work is a reflection of my life experiences, and I have faced my share of challenges. Life is unpredictable; many things happen around us, but I am grateful to God Almighty. At 83 years old, I give thanks to Him.
I hold no grudges against anyone. I have forgiven those who have spoken ill of me, as I do not consider it an offence. These experiences have taught me valuable lessons, and I extend a hand of fellowship to everyone.
From all indications, you have set a record in the history of the Nigerian music industry as a music legend reigning for over six decades. How have you maintained this energy?
Having been a world-acclaimed musician for over six decades is a rare privilege that I deeply appreciate. I am thankful for all that God has done for me. Now, I intend to spend the rest of my life in alignment with God’s purpose, promoting peace and love towards everyone.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my fans across the world. The love I have received from my esteemed supporters is immeasurable. Despite the challenges I have faced, I remain dedicated to my fans, and I attribute this to God’s influence in my life. I sincerely thank my fans for their love and support over the past sixty years. I do not take this for granted, and I can only say that only God can reward you all.
How do you plan to celebrate your 83rd birthday?
I am filled with immense gratitude to God, and I want my celebration to reflect that appreciation. My 83rd birthday celebration is not a grand event, but rather a sincere acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness. The event is titled “Celebrating God’s Faithfulness: Ebenezer Obey at 83 and Celebrating 68 Years as a Successful, World-Acclaimed Musician.”
The event will take place at my church, Decross Gospel Mission, Headquarters of Praise, located at 13/15 Oyewole Road, Mulero Bus Stop, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
It will be a thanksgiving service that includes prayers for the nation, praises, and blessings for all.
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