Ebenezer Obey – Highlife-juju
| Stage Name: | Ebenezer Obey |
| Real Name: | Ebenezer Obey |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 3rd April, 1942 (82 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Ogun State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Late. Juliana Olaide Olufade |
| Education: | – |
| Known for: | Highlife-juju |
Early Life and Education
Ebenezer Obey’s musical odyssey commenced on April 3, 1942, in Idogo, Ogun State, Nigeria, within the embrace of an Egba-Yoruba ethnic family. Hailing from the Owu subgroup of the Egba, young Ebenezer’s roots were deeply embedded in the cultural tapestry of the Southwest region of Nigeria.
Educationally, his journey began at Methodist Primary School in Idogo, where the seeds of his musical passion took root. It was here that the budding musician started nurturing his talent, laying the foundation for what would become a legendary career.
Career
The mid-1950s marked a pivotal moment as Ebenezer Obey relocated to Lagos, the epicenter of Nigeria’s vibrant music scene. Under the guidance of Fatai Rolling-Dollar’s band, he received the musical education that would shape his destiny. In 1964, Obey took a bold step, founding The International Brothers, a band that seamlessly fused highlife and jùjú, setting the stage for a musical revolution.
As the 1970s dawned, The International Brothers metamorphosed into Inter-Reformers, gaining acclaim with a string of successful Juju albums under the West African Decca record label. Obey’s sonic experiments expanded, incorporating Yoruba percussion, additional drum kits, guitars, and talking drums into the ensemble. His ability to weave intricate Yoruba principles into dance-floor compositions became the hallmark of his musical prowess.
The Inter-Reformers band distinguished itself by excelling in praise-singing performances, captivating wealthy Nigerian socialites and business tycoons. This alignment with the social elite mirrored the characteristic essence of Nigerian Yoruba social-circle music. However, amidst the secular themes, Obey seamlessly intertwined Christian spiritual motifs into his work, foreshadowing his eventual transition into Nigerian gospel music ministry in the early 1990s.
Notably, the Chief Commander, as affectionately named by his fans, collaborated with Pastor Kunle Ajayi during the esteemed gospel music veteran’s 30th-anniversary event in Lagos, showcasing the versatility that defines his musical journey.
Wife and Kids
In 1963, Ebenezer Obey embarked on a marital journey with Juliana Olaide Olufade. The union bore witness to a shared life, children, and grandchildren. However, the melody of love took a poignant turn when Lady Evangelist Juliana Obey-Fabiyi, his beloved wife, passed away on August 23, 2011, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, leaving a void in the heart of the musical maestro.
Net Worth
Beyond the realms of music, Ebenezer Obey‘s financial symphony is impressive. With an estimated net worth of $3 million, the legendary singer has not only enriched the cultural wealth of Nigeria through his highlife-juju melodies but has also amassed substantial financial success.