2Baba Daddy Showkey: 2Baba recalls how the veteran singer gave him his first $100 and reflects on the gesture’s lasting impact
Nigerian music icon Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has recalled a touching moment involving veteran singer John Odafe Asiemo, better known as Daddy Showkey, saying the Ajegunle music star was the first person to give him $100 during the early years of his career.
2Baba shared the memory during a recent performance while publicly celebrating Daddy Showkey and acknowledging the veteran musician’s influence on his journey in the Nigerian music industry.
According to 2Baba, the gesture came at a time when he was still finding his feet in music, making the seemingly simple gift a memorable part of his early career.
“Daddy Showkey was the first person to give me $100,” 2Baba said while speaking about the veteran entertainer.
The recollection offered a warm glimpse into the relationships that existed among Nigerian musicians during an era when the country’s contemporary music scene was undergoing a major transformation.
Daddy Showkey, whose real name is John Odafe Asiemo, emerged from Ajegunle in Lagos and became one of the leading figures associated with the Galala sound.
His music, distinctive voice and energetic performances helped bring stories and sounds from the community to a wider Nigerian audience.
The veteran musician began his solo career in the 1990s and became known for songs including “Somebody Call My Name”, “Fire Fire” and “Diana”. His career has also been associated with efforts to encourage young talents and support aspiring entertainers.
2Baba, meanwhile, rose to prominence as a member of Plantashun Boiz before establishing a successful solo career. His emergence, particularly through songs such as “African Queen”, coincided with the rapid growth of contemporary Nigerian popular music.
The careers of both musicians have therefore crossed different stages of Nigeria’s modern music story, from the street-driven sounds of the 1990s and early 2000s to the internationally recognised Nigerian music industry of today.
Daddy Showkey has also been recognised as an important figure in Nigeria’s entertainment history.
He was among the veteran entertainers honoured at the Nigerian Entertainment Conference in 2014, alongside other influential names in the industry.
Against that background, 2Baba’s recollection carries significance beyond the value of the money itself.
His story highlights how early encouragement from established musicians can leave a lasting impression on artists who are still building their careers.
The moment has also drawn attention from fans, many of whom praised 2Baba for publicly remembering a gesture of kindness from a fellow music veteran.
The story provides a refreshing reminder that behind the glamour of Nigeria’s entertainment industry are personal relationships, acts of generosity and moments of support that can remain meaningful long after the money itself has been spent.
For 2Baba, the memory of Daddy Showkey’s $100 gift appears to have remained one of those powerful moments from the formative years of his career.
Business3 years ago
