Niran Obey is one of the grandchildren of legendary juju musician, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. In this exclusive interview with Ladi Ayodeji he spoke about his Life, Career, and what his fans should watch out for his budding career:
Question: It’s a pleasure talking to you, Niran. Tell our fans about your pedigree, who you are, and how you got into music?
Answer: It’s a pleasure having this interview with you to Uncle Ladi, sir.
I’m Olaniran Obey Fabiyi, mostly known as Niranboy. I’m a music producer, jazz piano player, drummer, and aspiring guitar player.
I was born into a musical family from both sides. The first side is from the living juju legend himself, Chief commander Ebenezer Remilekun. O Obey Fabiyi who happens to be my grandpa.
The second side is from my late grandma, Lady Evang. Juliana Obey Fabiyi. My dad usually tells me that my grandma’s family are the “ayan; the talking drummers. Those are the two sides. I won’t say I got myself into music, I would say I just found myself in it.
Question: Why did you choose production, instead of singing?
Answer: I chose production over singing because of the fear I have for the crowd.
Question: Which music genre do you specialize in and why?
Answer: I specialized in juju, afro-pop, and jazz. I specialize in these genres because I have had time to explore their contents.
Question: Your dad, Tolu Obey, doesn’t make noise at all. He seems to be laid back for a juju musician. Is it deliberate, as you, too, also appear to be on the quiet side?
Answer: I’ll say mine is not deliberate. I’m just taking my time to master my craft, learn a lot that I can from my grandpa, Ebenezer Obey, my dad Tolu Obey and other amazing musicians out there.
Question: I saw you and Timi doing a song with your grandpa, Baba Obey. What is that all about?
Answer: It’s collaboration with Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey and grandchildren for an upcoming project.
Question: How do you see the music industry in Nigeria today?
Answer: The industry is a drive to success for me. The music industry in Nigeria is topping charts in Africa, this alone is a big win to all the Nigerian musicians. See our own superstars getting Grammy awards and nominations i.e Burnaboy, Wizkid, Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, Made Kuti, etc. Even our own music producers are Grammy winners, too; we have Rexxie, Sarz, P.Priime just to mention a few. I’m proud of the music industry in Nigeria
Question: How many albums have you produced?
Answer: I’ve produced one album that has been released. The Ep, was produced by Sound and I. I made the first five tracks and he made the remaining two. The album is for my immediate elder brother, Olaoluwa known as Royse Lk.
Question: How close are you to the Kuti clan, I saw you in pictures with Femi, Made, and Seun?
Answer: I’ll say, I’m a big fan of the Kuti Dynasty. From late Pa Fela, the Afrobeat legend, the first generation till the third generation, Uncle Made Kuti. The pictures were taken at the 2021 celebration.
Question: Your hairstyle is similar to your dad’s. Is this deliberate?
Answer: It’s very deliberate. My dad always told me he loved to look like his dad, Baba Obey, so I love to always look like my grandpa in his prime.
Question: What is Niran’s next project?
Answer: One of Niran boy’s next projects is making my own debut album and putting myself out there.
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