By Christian Agadibe

Obito Highlife Music exponent and Chief Ozemire of Uromi Kingdom, John Okoduwa, popularly known as Godly Showpromoter, is one of the oldest musicians in Nigeria at the moment, who was inspired by music legends like Sir Victor Uwaifo, Rex Lawson, Ebenezer Obey, I.K. Dairo, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, and Nicle Jaga, among others. This has earned himpl encomiums, leading to his having a golden jubilee album. Enjoy.

When did you first discover your love for music, especially highlife?

My love for music began when I watched Sir Victor Uwaifo perform at Wisdom Hotel in Uromi many years ago. His performance was so powerful that it immediately captured my heart. From that moment, I developed a deep interest in music. Later on, I had opportunity to learn directly from him, and that experience shaped my journey into the world of Highlife music.

Who were the early people or musicians who inspired your music career?

Several great musicians inspired me during my early days. Among them were Sir Victor Uwaifo, Rex Lawson, Ebenezer Obey, I.K. Dairo, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, and Nicle Jaga, among others. Their music influenced my style and strengthened my passion for Highlife.

What did you learn from Sir Uwaifo?

As I said earlier, I was deeply inspired by his performance at Wisdom Hotel, Uromi. That encounter sparked my interest in music. Later, I travelled to Benin City, where I joined his band. At that time, the band included musicians like Arumba. I learnt several things about music from working with Sir Victor Uwaifo. I leant discipline, stage performance, arrangement, and the importance of originality. Those lessons played a major role in shaping my career.

How did you develop the unique sound now known as Obito Highlife music?

When I began performing music, I noticed that our people already had rich traditional sounds like Asonogun, Ojeke, and Umahenbhonlen, which were played during cultural ceremonies. What I did was to blend those traditional rhythms with modern musical instruments like the guitar, saxophone, drums, and other band instruments. By arranging the music this way, it created a sound that people could easily dance to while still preserving our Esan cultural identity.

That fusion gradually evolved into what people now call Obito Highlife music, a style deeply rooted in Esan tradition but performed with modern musical expression.

Why did you decide to take highlife music from hotels and elite clubs to ordinary people, especially at obituary gatherings?

When I started my band, I saw a vacuum that needed to be filled. The Esan people celebrate life even in moments of mourning, such as funerals and obituary ceremonies. Before then, we had traditional performers like Umobuarie Igberaese, Ogenete, Kesi, and Abola Okodute, who played traditional sounds like Asonogun, Ojeke, and Umahenbhonlen at local events. However, musicians from places like Benin, Auchi, and the Eastern region were the ones usually invited to perform modern music in Esanland. I saw the need to create a sound that would modernize our traditional rhythms using instruments like the saxophone, guitar, drums, and amplification, so it would fit the celebratory nature of our events such as burials and marriage ceremonies.

What message do you usually try to pass through your music?

My music is mainly about life lessons, unity, social behaviour, and moral values. I sing about respecting elders, working hard, living peacefully with others, and remembering that life is temporary.

Music should not only entertain people; it should also educate and guide society. Through my songs, I try to encourage people to live responsibly and always remember God in everything they do.

Over the years, you have mentored many musicians. Why is mentorship important to you?

Mentorship is very important because no one succeeds alone. When I started music, I also learned from experienced musicians like Sir Victor Uwaifo.

Because of that, I believe it is my responsibility to guide the younger generation. If experienced musicians do not mentor upcoming ones, the music and culture will gradually disappear. That is why I have always welcomed young talents into my band and taught them the discipline and knowledge required in the music profession and some times helped them start up.

Can you mention some of the musicians you have helped to groom in the industry?

Over the years, I have helped nurture several musicians, including Dr. Afile, Sir Sunny Ben, Ambassador Joker Boy, Alasagbon, Jereke Super Star, and Young Shall Grow, among others.

Apart from music, you are also a respected community leader and a chief. What does that recognition mean to you?

My chieftaincy title is a recognition of the little contribution I have made to society. About 40 years ago, the title Ozemire was first given to me by the Esan National Students Association in recognition of my role as the first person to start an Obito Highlife band in Esanland. I was also involved in other ventures, such as running a cinema business that showed films in schools like Auchi Polytechnic and Ambrose Alli University as well as starting an ice-cream business and a photocopying business. In 2022, His Royal Majesty, Anslem Eidenojie II, the Onojie of Uromi Kingdom, officially honoured me with the title Chief Ozemire of Uromi Kingdom. That is why today I am proud to say I am a double chief.

How has your family supported your music journey over the years?

My greatest support came first from my mother and later from my late wife, Princess Juliana Okoduwa. She was not only a loving wife but also my strongest support system. She supported my businesses and played a huge role in raising our children while I pursued my music career. Sadly, I lost her during a tragic armed robbery incident while we were preparing for our daughter’s wedding. It was a very painful moment in my life.

You’ve marked your Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 years in music. How does it feel reaching this milestone?

Reaching 50 years in music is something I am deeply grateful to God for. When I started this journey, I never imagined that it would last this long and touch so many lives. Celebrating the Golden Jubilee made me reflect on where I started, the challenges I faced, and the many people who supported me along the way.

You golden jubilee album is titled God the Creator.” What inspired it?

The album “Golden Jubilee: God the Creator” was a re-mastered version of some of my old albums and some of my popular songs like Osenebula, Nomagbon, Eyemo Olealen, ibhokhan Nmukpano, Nigeria My country and so on. After spending many years in music, I felt it was important to thank God for protecting me and guiding my journey. The songs reflect my experiences, my appreciation for my supporters, and my message to society.

Looking back at your journey, what would you say are the most memorable moments of your career?

One of my most memorable moments was when I joined Sir Victor Uwaifo’s band in Benin City. That experience shaped my musical career. Another memorable moment was when I started my own band and introduced Obito Highlife music in Esanland. Seeing the music become popular and a household name gave me great joy. Being honoured with the title Chief Ozemire of Uromi Kingdom is also one of the proudest moments of my life.

What advice would you give to young musicians, who want to follow your path?

My advice to young musicians is to be patient, disciplined, and hardworking. Music is not something you rush; you must take time to learn the craft properly. They should also respect their culture and originality, because our traditional sounds are what make our music unique. At the same time, they must remain humble and always remember that music should carry positive messages to society.

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