JohnPaul Arabome: Multi-talented creative force in various fields

JohnPaul Arabome, also known as Peppdigital or just Pepp in the music space, is a multifaceted creative force, chef, director, movie producer, restaurateur, and artiste.

Born into a catholic family on January 11th, 1982, in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, the last of nine children who is currently based in the United States of America has forged a remarkable path, blending his passions and talents to achieve success in various fields.

Growing up in Uromi, JohnPaul’s early life was marked by a sense of normalcy, attending Lumen Christi Secondary School in Uromi and briefly pursuing accounting at the University of Benin (Uniben) in 1999. He relocated to the United States in 2001 at the aged of 19 to study, enrolling at St. John’s University in Minnesota for his undergraduate studies, where he earned a degree in Economics with distinction. He further expanded his academic horizons by obtaining a Master of Business Administration in Information Technology and Entrepreneurship from California Lutheran University between 2007 and 2009 in the United States.

JohnPaul’s professional journey began in corporate America, where he worked from 2005 to 2013 for companies like Bank of America and Countrywide Insurance where he worked as a consultant before founding his own production warehouse in Chatsoworth, Los Angeles where his movie career started. This stint not only honed his business acumen but also instilled in him the discipline and perseverance that would serve him well in his future endeavours.

In 2014 he moved back to Nigeria, Lagos State to be precise for a long stay to concentrate on screenwriting. After 2 years in Nigeria, he moved back to the States in 2016. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to venture into the culinary world, founding Peppered Goat restaurant in the USA which is headquartered in Los Angeles where he is primarily based.

As a chef, JohnPaul has made a name for himself, winning a jollof cook-off championship in Los Angeles, California, in 2022, where he represented Nigeria and triumphed over contestants from Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, and other West African countries. In addition to his culinary pursuits, JohnPaul is also a singer, releasing several singles, one album “Ma Ol Shiii Vol. 1” which comprises 13 songs (2021), and two extended plays, “The GDP” (2023) which stands for “The Goat Daddy Project” and “Goat Daddy” (2024) comprising of 7 songs and 6 songs respectively. “Goat Daddy” his recent album was released in April this year and was recorded in under two days. For Peppdigital, music helped him deal with racism and separation from his culture when he left Africa for America. During his early days in the United States, he also ventured into music production after linking up with some Caribbean friends in Minnesota.

As a director and producer, JohnPaul has helmed several movies, including his debut production, “Bootivity,” in 2013, followed by “Touchdown X” which he executive produced in 2014, and “The Queen’s Fiction” (2016). His work in film demonstrates his ability to navigate multiple artistic mediums and bring his unique vision to life.

JohnPaul’s inspirations are a telling reflection of his personality and values. He admires Jesus, Mike Tyson, Michael Vick, Mohammed Ali, and Malcolm X. These role models have likely influenced his own approach to life and his commitment to pursuing his passions and working on his dreams.

Throughout his journey, JohnPaul Arabome, Peppdigital a.k.a The Goat Daddy has consistently demonstrated his capacity for growth, adaptation, and innovation. In one of his interviews, he noted that the beat is one of the most essential elements that influences his music as a singer.

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