Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey (MFR) has become a world phenomenon in the history of Juju music in Nigeria.
Chief Ebenezer Fabiyi music career could be traced back to when he performed at his church Sunday school, he joined the church choir and later led to the Methodist Primary School Band.
He moved to Lagos, where he played the guitar and thumb Piano in several bands, including the Royal Mambo Orchestra, the Guinea Mambo Orchestra, the Fatai Rolling Dollar, and the Federal Rhythm Brothers. In 1964 he formed a group called the International Brothers.
Obeys lyrics (sung in a voice described as both sweet and velvety) were more religious. A devout Christian like both of his parents, he composed songs dealing with issues of honesty, morality, love, family, peace and other themes associated with his faith.
Obey introduced series of changes that would come to be branded as his Miliki style of Juju. These changes, which included several talking drums, multiple guitars, electric bass and a simplified, upbeat tempo, have led many to regard Obey as the father of modern juju. Miliki goes beyond mere entertainment, it captures many strata of human lives and it has become imperishable given the importance it has assumed, not only in our history but also in education. His songs are used for teachings as well as research in tertiary institutions. They are both a source of joy and education and to a large extent, evangelism.
Obey is one of Nigeria’s oldest living and active Juju musicians and is reputed to have churned out a musical repertoire of 660 songs, a feat yet to be equaled by any African musician in history.
Obey’s songs reflect different happenings in the society, touching on almost every aspect of human life and cutting across different ethnic inclinations. By his music, he has been variously described as a teacher, a prophet, a moralist, a philanthropist and a philosopher.
Today his music stands strong like an oak tree with so much resilience, strength, morale, honor, nobility and wisdom. His creativity and has immensely contributed to the Social, cultural, economic and political growth of the country.
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