Much fewer would have felt the touch of his music but the mark of his hand in the development of popular Nigerian music is indelible.
READ: Legendary Nigerian producer OJB Jezreel dies at 49
The true mark of a person’s talent, even when alive is how highly they are regarded by their contemporaries. And Jigga, as though who knew him called him, was held in high esteem.
Born Babatunde Jezebel Okungbowa, the list of artistes this Delta State native has worked with reads like a who-is-who of the pioneers of Nigerian pop music. From Ruggedman to 2face Idibia, Jazzman Olofin, Nomoreloss to Raskie, K-Show & Six-O, C-mion, Abounce, Jafaar, D’Banj, Wizkid, and so much more.
He along with the three Dairo brothers, including Paul Play himself had formed a production crew called Playground, House and Effects (PHE), which made beats for popular Nigerian musicians in the late 80s.
But it was with 2face that he would produce his greatest song, producing the worldwide hit, ‘African Queen’. The song sold massively in Nigeria with millions of copies sold internationally too.
He would later produce Baba Dee‘s hit single ‘Governor’s Daughter‘ and Daddy Showkey‘s second album, The Name.
READ: 5 Artistes who started their careers with OJB Jezreel
He wasn’t just a prolific producer. At a time when Nigerian contemporary music was in its infancy, OJB released an album. And what an album it was. Released in 2006 to critical and commercial success, No Drama, had bangers before we knew what bangers were.
With songs like ‘Pretete’, ‘Oochilacoochaleso’, ‘Searching’, the album held its own in the music space, despite not being backed by the star power of a popular name.
Sadly, that was the highlight of his career. Soon his excesses would have the better of him. He married three times, sired a bunch of kids and was rumoured to have developed an unhealthy lifestyle.
Not too long after he developed health problems and he announced in 2013 that both his kidneys had stopped working.
READ: NET Exclusive: Meet OJB Jezreel’s 3 wives and 8 children
Despite the fundraising appeal and the kidney donated by one of his wives, and many false dawns, it would claim his life in the Isolo General Hospital this morning.
OJB Jezreel is survived by his 87 year-old father, three wives and eight children. He died at Isolo General Hospital, in Lagos, Nigeria, at the age of 49. No Fields Found.
