For much of the 1970s and 1980s, Nigerian juju had two kings. One was King Sunny Adé. The other was Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey.
Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi was born in 1942 in Idogo, in Ogun State. He grew up in a Christian family and played music from an early age. He moved to Lagos and formed his own band, the International Brothers, later known as the Inter-Reformers.
Juju
Juju is a Yoruba popular music that developed in the early twentieth century, combining guitars, talking drums, percussion and call and response vocals. By the 1960s and 1970s, it had become the sound of Yoruba parties and celebrations, with bandleaders playing for hours at weddings and ceremonies, where guests sprayed money on them as they played.
The Miliki sound
Obey’s style, known as Miliki, emphasised smooth guitar lines, talking drums and lyrics full of Yoruba proverbs, moral lessons and praise for patrons. His songs addressed marriage, money, friendship and faith. He released dozens of albums, and his band could include more than a dozen musicians on stage, with several guitarists and talking drummers.
Rivalry
Obey and King Sunny Adé were the two giants of juju. Fans debated who was greater, and the rivalry drove both to innovate. Adé’s music leaned toward experimentation and international audiences; Obey’s remained closer to the Yoruba social world.
International tours
Obey toured widely abroad, including in Britain and the United States, and signed with international labels during the 1980s wave of interest in African music.
Evangelism
In the 1990s, Obey turned his focus to Christian ministry, becoming an evangelist and founding a ministry. His music increasingly carried gospel messages, and he continued to perform for church and secular audiences.
Honours
Obey has received many honours for his contribution to Nigerian music and culture. He is celebrated as one of the elders of Nigerian music.
Legacy
Obey’s songs remain popular at Yoruba parties, and younger artists sample and reference juju. Along with Adé, he defined the sound of Yoruba celebration for a generation.
Listening
Look for his classic albums from the 1970s and 1980s. The long tracks, often side-length, are designed for dancing and for listening to the lyrics.
In juju, the bandleader sings the praises of the guests. For decades, Nigerians sang the praises of Obey.
