Ebenezer Obey: Fostering societal, national growth through music

“My music is something one can rub on oneself as a cream, and is something one can wear as a crown. My lyrics are beneficial to society, so as they come forth, people want to sing along with me, because it benefits them, either in form of prayers or good wishes,” music icon, Evangelist (Dr) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, was quoted as stating in an interview with a media organisation.

The above statement captures the essence of the music of Obey – as he is popularly called – and his brand of music popularly referred to as miliki, which he describes as enjoyment.

Born in April 1942, Evangelist (Dr) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, who embraced music on a larger scale in the 1960s, rose to become one of Nigeria’s most influential and popular musicians, with over 100 albums to his credit.

He discovered his music talent as a toddler, as he usually seemed attracted to the choir stand, and joined the band and church choir while at Methodist School, Idodo, Yewa South Local Government, Ogun State.

He moved ahead in his music career, formed various orchestra groups, which eventually metamorphosed into a band, and was influenced mainly by a music star, Adeolu Akinsanya.

Said to have moved to Lagos in the 1950s, he played in various bands before starting his own, the International Brothers, in 1964, and released the hit juju single, entitled Ewa Wowun Ojumi Ri. Even with much of life’s challenges trailing him, a memorable one which he narrates as an incident in the 1970s which saw him fall very ill, such that he was, at some point, said to have been spiritually attacked. He, however, came back stronger onto the music scene.

His style of music comprises a variety of Yoruba instruments, lyrics dense with proverbs laced with deep meanings, and musical percussions, merged in a style only unique to Obey. These are visible in the title of his albums, some of which include: Aimasiko, Ota Mi Dehin Lehin Mi, Igba Owuro Lawa, Ara Nbada Owo Oje, Iwa Ika Ko Pe, Alowo Majaye, Enia Lasan, Edumare Dariji Won, Moti Pinu Laye Mi, Mukulu Muke, Around the World, among others.

Obey’s revolution with the Yoruba language, especially in the style of music, is legendary, and his rise and rise to fame is testament to his dogged determination, hard work, discipline, will to succeed despite all odds, and most importantly, the desire to fashion his admirable talent into actual success.

Within Nigeria and on a global scale at that, the Miliki crooner is synonymous to good music, and has a platter of local and international awards to show for his efforts in the entertainment industry. His music composition teaches life lessons, and according to him, “it is a gift from God. I don’t struggle to compose my songs. It is God who inspires me.”

As an evangelist, Obey has dedicated his recent efforts to preaching the gospel and service to the nation. He is widely appreciated for his humanitarian and philanthropic efforts as well and he serves as role model to many musicians and non musicians, old and young alike.

He uses his music and influence to make comments on social ills, in the effort to ensure positive change on the individual level, as well as engender societal and national development.

Music is Obey, and Obey is music. Even with a friendly rival in juju icon, King Sunny Ade, Obey’s ability to still be very much relevant, even after over 30 years when he first struck the proverbial gold in the music business, is unrivalled as he has carved a niche for himself, such that even till date, none other has been able to match his style, standard and quality of music.