Abass Akande Obesere (born 28 January 1965), popularly known as Omo Rapala, is a Nigerian Fuji musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is most widely known for his hit Egungun Be Careful.
Obesere has released several hit songs like Asakasa, Mr Teacher, Amin Ase, and Mobinu Tan. He holds the title of Agba Akin Bobagunwa of Yorubaland and the Paramount King of Music.
| Obesere | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Personal Details | |
| Name: | Abass Akande Adeniyi |
| Born: | 28 January 1965 (age 61 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | Jubril Martins Secondary School, Lagos |
| Occupation: | Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Years active: | 1981-date |
| Genre: | Fuji, pop, hip hop |
| Instrument: | Vocals |
| Spouse: | Alhaja Sekinat Tolanikawo Adelakun Akande |
Early Life
Abass Akande Adeniyi Obesere was born on 28 January 1965 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He grew up in a large polygamous family as the 5th of his father’s 17 children, from five wives, and one of his mother’s six children. Later, he earned the nickname “Omo Rapala.” He was three years old when he and his mother relocated to Lagos.
Education
Obesere attended St. Paul Primary, Ebute-Metta and Jubril Martins Secondary School, Lagos.
Career
Obesere started singing independently until he met the late Ajisafe Aremu. In 1981, he sang for Aremu, joined his band, and served Alhaji Ajisafe Aremu for two years.
Obesere started his own band, Fuji Posky Band, in 1983. He had his first show at Ilogbo, Apapa Ebute-Metta, and later came to the limelight through Asakasa music. He created his own aesthetic of Fuji music known as Fuji Pop.
Some of his albums include Introduction, Mr Magic, Oodua, Diplomacy, Elegance, and Live in Europe. He has also released hits like Egungun Be Careful, Baby Mi sexy, Murderer, Paraga, Mobinu Tan, Emi ni, Basira, and Slow Slow.
Although Obesere has been in the industry for decades, he has also collaborated with contemporary artists. He worked on the single Ebelesua with rapper Olamide and teamed up with Zlatan to release the remix of his 2001 hit single, Egungun Be Careful.
Obesere stars in the January 2020 music video for Niniola’s hit single Omo Rapala and collaborated with rapper Reminisce on the track Jaforie. He signed a global distribution and publishing agreement with Blue Pie Records USA and Blue Pie Publishing USA (ASCAP) in 2019.
He is currently signed with Mayors Ville Entertainment and has worked with Sony Music and Bayowa Records. He was conferred with the title of “Agba Akin Bobagunwa of Yorubaland” by the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Oyelude Hameed Adekunle, and many other traditional rulers on 1 May 2019.
Obesere is known for a notable rivalry with fellow Fuji king, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as ‘K1 De Ultimate’, whom he called out over his stance on the crisis that engulfed the APC in Lagos State over the 2018 gubernatorial race.
Personal Life
Obesere was divorced from his first wife in 1993. He later met Alhaja Sekinat Tolanikawo Adelakun Akande and they got married. He has also taken therapist Yinka Ayanda, popularly known as Yinka TNT, as his second wife. He has children including Susan, Cynthia, and Lekan.
Obesere survived a car accident involving his Lexus Jeep LX470 at Ijebu Ode in Ogun State on his way to Lagos in 2012.
References
- Yewande Fasan. “2027: Obesere’s wife declares for House of Reps seat in Ibadan“. The Nation.
- This Day Live. “Obesere Blasts K1 De Ultimate, Tags him Serial Betrayer“. www.thisdaylive.com.
- Modern Ghana. “Obesere Crowned Paramount King of Music”. www.modernghana.com.
- Friday Omosola. “Obesere set to marry popular sex therapist as second wife“. Premium Times.
- Ayo Onikoyi. “Fuji star, Obesere becomes grandfather“. Vanguard.
- Vanguard. “Obesere survives auto crash“. www.vanguardngr.com.
- The Eagle Online. “Photos as Obesere bags chieftaincy title of Agba Akin Bobagunwa of Yorubaland“. www.theeagleonline.com.ng.
- Vanguard. “Obesere’s son, Lekan Akande floats record label“. www.vanguardngr.com.
