EBENEZER OBEY

Since the 1960s Ebenezer Obey has ranked among Nigeria’s most popular, prolific, and influential musicians, issuing more than fifty albums while shaping the juju style and waging an informal yet inventive rivalry with fellow performers. His debut ensemble, the International Brothers, came together in 1964 and specialized in a measured sound built from stacked guitars and Yoruban percussion. A steadfast adherent to cultural and religious tradition, Obey remained faithful to the praise-song format, extolling both Christian faith and the heads of state who hosted his performances. Though his words stayed rooted in convention, his musical choices proved boldly experimental. Seeking an edge over rivals, he introduced fresh “systems” by expanding his group with up to twenty additional players, stretching the duration of album cuts, and generating a steady stream of hits. The stylish, blues-inflected guitarist whose work had already spread widely across Nigeria finally reached global audiences in 1980 through the release of Current Affairs.