Ogundipe oluwatoyin amos Ebenezer Obey is a legendary Nigerian jùjú musician who has had a prolific and influential career spanning over 60 years. Born Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi on April 3, 1942 in Idogo, Ogun State, Nigeria, he is of the Egba-Yoruba ethnic background.
Obey began his professional music career in the mid-1950s after moving to Lagos. He received early training under the tutelage of Fatai Rolling-Dollar’s band, before forming his own group called The International Brothers in 1964.
The band later evolved into Inter-Reformers in the early 1970s, producing a long list of hit jùjú albums on the West African Decca label.
Obey is known for his innovative approach to jùjú music, incorporating Yoruba percussion styles and expanding the traditional jùjú ensemble with additional drum kits, guitars, and talking drums.
His musical strengths lie in weaving intricate Yoruba proverbs and spiritual themes into his dance-floor compositions.
The Inter-Reformers band also gained fame for their skilled praise-singing for wealthy Nigerian socialites and business leaders.
In the early 1990s, Obey transitioned into gospel music ministry, though he is still revered as a pioneer and legend of the jùjú genre.
He has recorded close to 100 albums over his illustrious career, and is considered one of the most influential and successful Nigerian musicians of all time.
At 81 years old, Obey remains an active performer and cultural ambassador, recently donating some of his personal effects to a college gallery in his hometown.
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