R.I.P OJB Jezreel

Today marks one year since veteran music producer and singer, OJB Jezreel passed on.

OJB died aged 49 on June 14, 2016, following a long-term battle with Kidney disease.

Jezreel suffered from a kidney ailment in 2013 and had a successful kidney transplant within the same year after several contributions from friends and artists in the music industry.

Sadly he passed on a month to his 50th birthday.

The late singer was a creative force behind the numerous hits of a countless number of artistes. From Ruggedman, 2Face Idibia, Jazzman Olofin, the late Nomoreloss to Raskie, K-Show & Six-O, C-mion, Abounce, Jafaar, Amah and more.

His biggest break was in 2004 with 2face‘s ‘African Queen’ setting a yet to be beaten record not just in Nigeria but in Africa.

Over 10million copies in Nigeria alone and 8million copies were sold internationally, this made him the most sort after producer in Nigeria and some regions of Africa. He stamped his presence on the Industry as an artiste with the club banger “Pretete“ and crowned it with a classic love song “Searching”.

OJB sharpened his singing and songwriting skill so much that he learnt how to play the drums, guitar and piano during the same period.

His profile as a producer continued to rise with further credit for work on Baba Dee’s hit single ‘Governor’s Daughter’ and Daddy Showkey’s sophomore album.

OJB then took the business arm of his game to another level with the signing of a distribution deal with Kennis Music, the record distribution company run by Kenny “Keke” Ogungbe and Dayo “D1” Adeneye. His first assignment was to do an urban make over of ‘Ace’, the classic album by juju music maestro, Sir Shina Peters. The charismatic entertainer also signed a deal with the enterprising duo for the re-release of his 1989 classic.

OJB is survived by three wives, June, Korede, Mabel and eight children.