Nigerian music icon and gospel legend, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, marked his 83rd birthday (April 3rd, 2025) in grand style, combining the celebration with a heartfelt thanksgiving service to honor an extraordinary 68-year career in music.
The event, which was filled with emotion and nostalgia, brought together dignitaries, political leaders, longtime associates, and devoted fans, all united in celebrating a man whose legacy continues to shape Nigerian music and culture.
Among the esteemed guests was former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose presence underscored the national reverence Obey commands after decades of excellence in music and ministry.
Born Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Fabiyi in Idogo, Ogun State, Obey belongs to the Owu subgroup of the Egba-Yoruba. He began his professional music journey in the mid-1950s after relocating to Lagos, where he trained under Fatai Rolling-Dollar before founding his own group, The International Brothers, in 1964. The band evolved into the Inter-Reformers in the 1970s, becoming synonymous with juju-highlife fusion and releasing countless hits under the West African Decca label.
Renowned for his ability to blend intricate Yoruba proverbs with infectious rhythms, Obey revolutionized juju music by incorporating talking drums, layered guitars, and dynamic percussion—all while delivering praise songs that resonated across social circles and spiritual gatherings alike.
Though his music once dominated dance floors and social events, Evangelist Obey shifted his focus in the early 1990s toward gospel music and ministry, founding Decross International Ministries. Today, he stands not only as a music legend but also as a philanthropist and spiritual leader, whose work continues to inspire new generations.
As he celebrates both longevity in life and impact in music, Obey’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of faith, culture, and rhythm.
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