Can you tell us about yourself and your education background?
My name is Asimiyu Abolanle Ajalaruru, a.k.a. Asimiyu Obesere, Mr Panachukwu. I am a native of Ibadan, Oyo State. I attended Ijero Baptist Primary School and then to Iponri Grammar School in Ebute Meta, Apapa road, Costain, Abule Baba Egun.
When did start your music journey?
I started music in February 1996. I started staging shows at Eva Restaurant in Wandsworth road. However, I started my band in June 1997. It was a great day, and I am appreciative for the support I got from Sir Denji Conne, Otunba Akeem Adetoro and my brother from another mother, the late Akeem Yusuf a.k.a. Omo Major, who helped pay for the hall; posters, and invited the ‘big boys’ of London for the event. I must say that Alhaja Salawa Abeni graced the event as the mother of the day.
In 1999, you travelled to Canada, how did that come about?
My elder brother, Alhaji Abass Obersere invited me to join him as a backup singer on his tour of Canada, unfortunately, I overstayed my visa and was deported to Nigeria.
So after your return to Nigeria, how did you get back to London?
I was in Nigeria for two years before I returned to London. I came back through my late brother’s band, Chief Olumegbon Monsuru Ajayi of Mobak Promotion. We got German visas from Lagos and arrived in Dusseldorf in March 2001; I then travelled around various countries in the European Union like Greece, Switzerland, before I returned to Germany, Hamburg to be precise. I later got a nine-month work permit to the United Kingdom. And I passed through some things until I became who I am today. I want to state that 2004 was the year that my music dominated the United Kingdom, I mean among Nigerians and Africans in the UK and other parts of Europe.
There was this show (Larry’s show) that you were expected to attend in Dublin, Ireland at that time, everybody was expecting to see a star musician from London, but you failed to show up, what was the reason for your non-appearance?
That is a million pounds question. I got a call from Mr Larry Shogbamimu about the show; I was satisfied with the level of promotion. This was a time my music was all over the place; you could imagine my videos being watched in 24 Shenghen countries. In fact, the promoter told me that he had already sold over 120 tickets and Nigerians in Dublin were expecting me already. It got to a point that the promoters of other big Fuji artistes from Nigeria had to postpone their shows anytime theirs clashed with mine. However, unfortunately, the issue of my travelling documents made it impossible for me to come to Dublin. I said earlier that then, I only had a nine-month visa, which later expired, so it was impossible for me to travel around.
Who is Obersere to you, and what’s your relationship with him like?
He is my blood brother and I want to say that he has been a good brother in my struggles.
What is the title of your last album?
Shaje tio’wopo, meaning, ‘Uncommon Slogan.’ It was written, composed and arranged by me, but was produced by Agbasaba First & Records.
Since you are back in Nigeria, what do you do for a living now in Lagos?
I still do music, singing at private events or corporate shows. I am also working on my next album.
When one looks at you, you don’t really dress or act like a musician. Is there any reason for that?
Well, that’s how it is, but I can only say that at the end of the tunnel, there will always be light. So I believe I am an overcomer by the special grace of almighty Allah. Music is, however, my calling; Aiye o jen gbadun, osan ju eni aiye gbagbe lo (I am facing challenges is better than for one to be forgotten).
I, however, want to thank my London fans, my Dublin fans and those in other parts of the world. I thank you for your love and support. Thank you, Brother Abbey Falodun, Paul Enahoro, Aunty Titi Oyenuga, Chief Taiye Fashina, Sir Adeoyekan, Sir Chief Toyin Coker, Kabiyesi Adisa Bolaji Infinity, Chief Adedayo Adegbite Obanla, and many others. I love you all. You will all hear from me soon by the grace of Allah.
