“Politicians na wayo, whether they like am or not” – Tony Oneweek Mourns OJB

“Sometime in 2003, OJB Jezreel produced a song for me titled “Nigeria go better”. Funny enough, I never knew I will become a politician one day as I wrote and voiced the lyrics of the song: “Nigeria go better, they say na poor man prayer, politicians na wayo, whether they like am or not, hot water must pass garri, Nigeria”. I still remember how we worked in his house studio somewhere in Aguda near Pako.

How we always had to shut the windows to voice. I remember everything. He was a master of the art. He was a great singer too. He told me how he produced the 2face Idibia sophomore songs. He was a calm dude who took things easy. I remember running into Jazzman Olofin once in the house. It was all fun. Yes.

Then several years later, I hear about his kidney problem. I was impressed by the outpouring of love by the industry and I paid in my own token donation from Enugu. I called and encouraged him. Then he got more help and hit India with his wife cum donor. He had a transplant and returned home to continue his life. In between the time OJB sought help and the time he died, a major champion in his quest for life, Nomoreloss died. Almost exactly like Ahmodu Shuaibu who died after signing Stephen Keshi’s condolence register, OJB kicked the bucket after bidding farewell to Nomoreloss . It’s painful that OJB will still die., after all the efforts to live.

I have been asking God why talented people die young. My major heroes have gone… Robert Nesta Marley and the Angelic Michael Jackson. I have no other hero except the Hero above all Heroes.., Jesus. I have lost brothers like J T Tom West, Muna Obiekwe and Uncles Sam Loco and Enebeli Elebuwa. I am short of words but I want to encourage entertainers to please take extra care of their health. It is not easy to perform to your best potentials without consciously or unconsciously stressing your body. Its a battle once u hit the limelight. Yes.

This explains why most artistes or musicians die from drug overdose etc. The pressure to meet up expectations is so much that we even abuse ourselves. Live healthy. OJB., You tried to live on and keep entertaining. But God said u’ve got to sleep now. Good night bro.

-Tony Oneweek