Music icon and evangelist, Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi has waded in to end in-flight among Fuji music artists ruling the airwaves in South West, Nigeria and across the globe.
Obey also opened up on his close relationship with the late Fuji music pioneer, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Balogun, popularly known as Barrister, revealing how he discovered his talent and played a pivotal role in his rise to stardom.
Speaking during a landmark peace meeting held to reconcile major players in the Fuji music industry, Obey described Barrister as a “worthy son,” noting that he saw greatness in him from the very beginning.
“I discovered the uniqueness in him early. When I heard his sound, I told him the military was not his path. He was humble, talented, and grateful. I mentored him, and I remain committed to preserving his legacy,” Obey said.
He recalled how Barrister heeded his advice to leave the Nigerian Army and pursue a full-time music career—a decision that changed the landscape of Yoruba music forever.
The peace parley, convened by Obey, brought an end to a long-standing rift within the Fuji music circle, a development widely applauded by fans and stakeholders as a major boost to the unity and growth of the genre.
The event also featured the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Evangelist Ebenezer Obey in recognition of his decades-long impact on Nigerian music and his peacemaking efforts.
Additionally, the formal unveiling of BarryFest, a commemorative event in honour of the late Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, was endorsed by Obey as part of his efforts in upholding the legacies of the Fuji icon.
