TheNewsGuru

Tag: EBENEZER OBEY

  • I don’t have stroke – Ebenezer Obey shuts down death rumour

    I don’t have stroke – Ebenezer Obey shuts down death rumour

    Legendary musician Chief Ebenezer Obey has revealed that the news of his death is a hoax.

    The 83-year-old Juju music legend via his verified Instagram on Sunday shared a video of himself and his sons singing “I have a God who never fails” before addressing the fresh rumour.

    He said, “People of God, ladies and gentlemen, the enemies have come again. I left Lagos this morning to London, and I arrived London few hours ago and on arrival, I saw the video that announced again that my ‘enemy’ was dead, my enemy had a stroke and all the lies they are speaking. They even carried coffins and showed several photographs. Everything they have said is nothing but lies. It is the intention of the enemy and I know that would never ever come to pass.

    “My God is indeed in control. I left Lagos with my children. Everything they have said are nothing but lies that came from the kingdom of darkness. I am alive, I am alive says the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you very much. I don’t have stroke. I come to London to look after myself.”

  • I am alive – Ebenezer Obey refutes his rumoured death

    I am alive – Ebenezer Obey refutes his rumoured death

    Tope Olukole, Personal Assistant to the Juju music legend, Ebenezer Obey has described the rumor of his principal’s death as false and fabricated.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the renowned Gospel singer was reported to have died on Monday after falling ill briefly over the weekend.

    The legend’s aide refuted the rumor on Monday evening saying, “Let’s set the record straight: Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi is alive and thriving! He recently celebrated a joyous occasion – the 50th birthday of his second child’s spouse.

    “Rumors of his passing are baseless and entirely unfounded. We’re glad to see him active and well. Tope Olukole,” he said.

    In response to the rumor,  Obey-Fabiyi also in a video on Tuesday morning refuted the claim with a spirited performance.

    Singing in Yoruba, English and Pidgin, he described the news as false.

    In the video, Obey-Fabiyi sang, “Hello, my name is Professor Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi. Satan, you don lose o, Satan, you don lose o, you don pafuka. Na lie lie you dey talk, you don pafuka.”

    The legendary musician, then added, “It is fake news that started a few hours ago claiming that I, Evangelist Obey, have passed on to glory. It is a lie. I am alive, and that is not the word Jesus has written.”

  • Nigerian music legend, Ebenezer Obey reveals dream at 80

    Nigerian music legend, Ebenezer Obey reveals dream at 80

    Nigerian Legendary Juju Musician, Ebenezer Obey, popularly known as, “Chief Commander”, says as he clocks 80, his greatest dream is to impact more lives, especially the Nigerian youths.

    Obey in an interview with NAN on Saturday, in Lagos, said he would love to touch on the lives of the Nigerian youths, considering current happenings in society.

    The Chief Commander noted that he would continue to intensify efforts in empowering more of the youths.

    He said he would remain grateful to God, haven ordered his steps in the right direction in the last 80 years of his life , as he rededicates his life to Him for greater exploits.

    Obey said: “I thank God for making me to clock 80 years, it is by God’s grace, He has really seen me through. I commit my future to him.

    “What I have done in life that gives me joy is that I have handed over my life to God right from time, I rededicate the remaining part of my life, my future to God, He should see me through.

    “For my career, I have no more rivers to cross, my dream and wish now is to impact more lives, to solidify all I have built in the past and contribute more to the growth of the entertainment industry.

    “I want to impact the youths, the youths are the leaders of tomorrow and if we see what is happening to them recently, we will observe that they need help.

    “So I want to continue touching on their lives through my musical empowerment programme which has been on for long.”

    Obey noted that so many youths had benefitted from his empowerment programme through scholarships and subsidised fee for musical training

    at his music school located in Abeokuta, Ogun.

    He said the music school was affiliated with some Nigerian universities and federal polytechnics.

    He explained that it is a well equiped school with modern studios, as a 350-seater Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre was currently under construction to impact more youths.

    Ebenezer Obey was born April 3, 1942, to an Egba-Yoruba ethnic background family, he is of the Owu subgroup of the Egba.

    He began his musical career in the mid-1950s after moving to Lagos and after tutelage under Fatai Rolling-Dollar’s band, he formed a band called,

    “The International Brothers”, in 1964, playing highlife-juju fusion.

    The band later metamorphosed into “Inter-Reformers” in the early 1970s, with a long list of Juju album hits on the West African Decca Musical Label.

    Some of his songs are ,”Around the World”; “Asiko Mi Ti To”; “Awa Ewe Iwoyi”; “Ema Se Lo”; Edumare Adupe”; Ile Ti Ya” and more.

  • President Buhari eulogies Ebenezer Obey at 80

    President Buhari eulogies Ebenezer Obey at 80

    President Muhammadu Buhari has applauded legendary musician and evangelist, Chief Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, (also known as Obey Commander) for his contributions to national development through music in about six decades.

     

    President Buhari, in his congratulatory message to Chief Obey in commemoration of his 80th birthday, noted that he has contributed to national development through music in about six decades.

     

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President noted that the countless laurels and accolades showered on the musician in the many years of his performance were well deserved as he used his music to instruct on every facet of life.

     

    President Buhari admonished the younger generation of musicians to take a cue from the life of Chief Obey.

     

    The statement read: “President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with music superstar and evangelist, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey on the occasion of his 80th birthday, April 3, 2022.

     

    “The President pays tribute to the musician, who used his art and skills to fly Nigeria’s flag around the world, bringing joy and merriment to people with his sonorous voice, and didactic songs, for over six decades.

     

    “President Buhari remarks that though he is from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Obey’s music has been a blessing not only to the entire Southwest, but he has garnered tremendous recognition and adulation nationally and internationally.

     

    “He has used his music to champion Government programmes such as: #Change of lane in 1972 (Keep Right), # Change to the Naira (Naira/Kobo), # Operation Feed the Nation and many others.

     

    “The President notes that the musician/ preacher has sang on virtually every area of human endeavour and activity with countless gold discs and many platinum discs to his credit, leading to being honoured with the prestigious award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2001.

     

    “President Buhari lauds the fact that on 7th of July, 2014, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, conferred on Chief Commander Obey the status of Professor of Music, as a visiting lecturer in the Department of English and Performing Arts of the University.

     

    “Successfully blending the secular and spiritual, the President urges the younger generation to borrow a leaf from the musician, who was formally ordained into the ministry on his 50th birthday on the 3rd of April, 1992. He is the General Overseer of Decross Gospel Mission, Lagos and the President of Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministries.

     

    “President Buhari wishes the celebrant longer life, good health, and further service to God and humanity.”

  • Ebenezer Obey commiserates with KSA over wife’s death

    Ebenezer Obey commiserates with KSA over wife’s death

    Music icon and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, MFR, has commiserated with fellow legend, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, fondly called KSA, over the death of his wife, Risikat.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the General Manager, Obey Music Group, Mr. Tunji Odunmbaku, and made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Risikat died on Tuesday, September 21, after a brief illness.

    NAN reports that the deceased was a Honourable Member in the 6th Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Obey-Fabiyi described the news of Risikat’s death as a rude shock, noting it was indeed a trying period for KSA to have lost one of his wives.

    “I pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort my dear brother, KSA, the children, and the entire family she left behind,” he said.

    The renown musician described the deceased as a kind-hearted and hard-working woman.

    “I recalled that she called me personally that she wanted me to play at the reception of the 70th birthday she organized in Lagos for KSA aside the celebration we had in Ondo, which I granted her.

    “I know what it feels to lose a wife because the same thing happened to me when my wife went to be with the Lord over 10 years ago.

    “I pray the Lord to rest her soul in eternal peace. I pray God strengthens KSA in playing the role of a father and mother to the children,” he said.

    Obey-Fabiyi, who has been in London for medical attention in the last two months, had earlier congratulated KSA on his 75th birthday held on September 22.

    In his congratulatory message, he noted that they have both enjoyed the special grace of God as unique role models and music legends for decades.

    The music icon said that special grace could only be achieved through the help of God Almighty.

    “As you achieved the milestone of 75 years, I pray that God will renew your strength and continue to bless you beyond measures, my dearest brother,” he prayed.

  • Only wicked people will spread lies about me being dead- Ebenezer Obey

    Only wicked people will spread lies about me being dead- Ebenezer Obey

    Legendary Juju musician, Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi has condemned those spreading false news about him being dead.

    The revered musician expressed his angst in a video shared by BBC Yoruba on Instagram on Friday.

    “I have been rumoured dead thrice in one month. If those individuals are not wicked, why would they say I am dead when I am alive.Nothing is wrong with me,” he said.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that one of the false reports about Obey’s death alleged that he passed on in London in July.

    In a recent chat, the veteran singer condemned contemporary Nigerian musicians.

    According to him:” I commend the new generation of musicians for the impact they have been able to make. Their generation understands their language and they have lots of followers, which is good.

     

    However, vile things, such as rape, that are happening these days weren’t like this back in the days. It seems people have lost their minds. These days, one finds people raping infants and things like that break my heart. We definitely cannot afford to continue like this. I am happy with how seriously the government is taking the issue, though we still need to talk more. There should be stiffer sanctions for offenders, so it would deter others from committing the same crimes.

     

    The new generation of musicians should be mindful of their lyrics so that they don’t contribute to the moral decadence in society. They should rather use their music to pass positive messages because they have lots of fans who listen to them”.

  • Death rumours made me realize people love me- Ebenezer Obey

    Death rumours made me realize people love me- Ebenezer Obey

    Juju music maestro, Ebenezer Obey has said death rumours about him, made him realize he is loved by a lot of people.

    The legendary musician noted that he has continued to receive goodwill messages from all over the world.

     

    In a chat with Punch, the self-proclaimed ‘commander’ said: ”To be sincere with you, I was shocked at the overwhelming love that people showed me. Till now, I have continued to receive phone calls from all over the world. I knew I had fans but I didn’t know the love they had for me was that much. I am very grateful to my fans for the love they have shown me and I pray God will continue to bless them. One important lesson I learnt in the midst of all this is that people love me. It is clear that if one does good, one would be loved and appreciated by people.”

     

    Sharing how he felt learning about his own obituary, the revered music maestro opened up on the biggest shock of his life. He said, “I was in my room with my son, Lanre, when a call came in for him. I just heard him say ‘It is a lie. My dad is here with me or will you speak with him?’ He told me that the caller said it was on social media that I had passed on in London. Can you imagine that? I came back from London almost three months ago and someone is claiming that I had died in London. All of a sudden, all my children began to call in to recheck what they learnt on social media. Different calls from everywhere from people and it was really overwhelming. Some would say ‘Commander, is that you? Are you okay because since I read the news, my blood pressure has gone up’. Some after hearing my voice burst into tears. How can anyone write anything and put on the Internet to put people in distress?”

     

     

  • Obey and I pretended to be rivals –KSA

    Juju music legend, King Sunny Ade has opened up on his relationship with Ebenezer Obey whom many perceive to be his rival during their heydays.

    In a recent encounter with PUNCH, the iconic singer said they gave fans and their colleagues the impression that they are at loggerheads.

    “It was the fans that believed we were always fighting. Obey and I had been friends since we began our bands and we are still friends till date. He started his band a year before me. Also, we pretended to be fighting in order for our fans to enjoy our music. Then, we used to play at night clubs, and where he was playing wasn’t far from where I played. I recall that the fans would go and disrupt his band, and later come to disturb us too. One day, I went to his (Obey) house to meet him behind closed doors.

    I asked him how we could manage the situation, and he also asked for my suggestion. We both agreed to change the date of our performances at the club. He chose Thursdays while I maintained Wednesdays. Later, we also pretended to our seniors that we had a misunderstanding, so I invited Pa IK Dairo, Haruna Ishola, Adeolu Akinsanya and two others, to help settle the rift. For a long time, to avoid clashes of our fans, if I had a show, I would ask if Ebenezer Obey was going to be there. If they said yes, I wouldn’t go; and that was the same thing he did too. Our elders then told us there should be no more fight between us, and we should make records to appease our fans. So, when I sang, he replied too. As the two of us were holding the meeting in his house, we just heard a bang on the door and somebody (Olabisi Ajala) was shouting that so the two of us were friends, yet we were pretending otherwise. We didn’t open the door but we had already agreed on how we would be doing things from then on. I have to thank God for his (Obey) life because he later got a call from God and became a cleric. The bottom line is that we have always been friends. We later advised young musicians that they don’t need to fight or destroy one another’s shows because of unnecessary rivalry”

     

  • Obey at 75: 5 unforgettable hit songs of the living legend

    Obey at 75: 5 unforgettable hit songs of the living legend

    Nigerian music legend and gospel singer Ebenezer Fabiyi Obey, is a year older today. The Juju exponent known for his evergreen songs is being celebrated by his fans on the occasion of his 75th birthday

    Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi is fondly called ‘The Chief Commander’ by his numerous fans. He began his professional career in the mid-1950s after moving to Lagos.

    After being groomed by Fatai Rolling-Dollars, he formed a band called The International Brothers in 1964, playing highlife–jùjú fusion. The band later metamorphosed into Inter-Reformers in the early-1970s, with a long list of Juju album hits .

    In no particular order, TheNewsGuru chronicles his 5 evergreen hit songs

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPlk0WIlrgI

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ICRmEyKt-A

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewGuiOu-sRA

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMQmqfFfnn0