Sir Emma Ogosi, the man whose 80th birthday on mother earth we are celebrating today, is one of the pioneers of Country Music in Nigeria. He has been around on the music scene in the country for decades and he is still waxing stronger.
Ogosi recorded his first album in 1981 titled, Nobody Knows, a blend of disco and country sound. He immediately then carved a niche for himself.
With the multiple country music influences at that time, Emma Ogosi composed songs that were breathtaking which dwelled mainly on love, heartbreak, life challenges, etc, a trademark of country music.
Little wonder Ogosi’s loveballads made his band, The Expensives, a preferred band that performed during General Ibrahim Babangida’s marriage to the late Maryam in Kaduna, 1969.
Call him a loverman if you like, Sir Emma Ogosi is a master of the craft who carefully gives credence to the heartwarming lyrics he pens down and weaves his songs around his listeners heart.
Ogosi’s soporific voice is so smooth, soft and endearing. His love for music knows no bounds, as he will be releasing his new album titled, Osinanga, this month to celebrate his 80 years birthday with family, friends and fans, both home and abroad.
Sir Emma Ogosi, who is fondly refered to as a builder of artistes and talent hunter, was the brain behind discovering and nurturing talents. Many musicians, including Evi Edna Ogholi, Chris Okotie and Felix Lebarty, among others, passed through his tutulege.
Sir Emma Ogosi hails from Asaba in Delta State and he has to his credit five albums. One of his popular songs titled, Ebe Awelem Di, which is translated to mean Searching For My Destiny, remains one of the evergreen favourite of his fans till date.
•Miss Esho is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the high-soaring Evergreen Music Company, Surulere, Lagos.
