Veteran Nigerian entertainer and pioneer of Galala music, Daddy Showkey, has reflected on his remarkable journey from the streets of Ajegunle to becoming one of the country’s most celebrated performers as he prepares to mark 50 years on stage.
The music icon will celebrate his golden jubilee with a special concert on August 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos—the same venue he describes as the foundation of his entertainment career.
Speaking during a visit to the Vanguard headquarters in Lagos, Daddy Showkey said choosing Eko Hotel for the milestone celebration was symbolic because he performed an acrobatic display during the hotel’s opening ceremony in 1977.
According to him, his journey in entertainment actually began in 1976 when he started performing as a child at venues including Gondola, Bar Beach and Panorama. He explained that despite being only six years old, he was already entertaining audiences and appearing on television.
The singer recalled growing up in Ajegunle, where he survived by scavenging for aluminium in refuse dumps while nurturing his passion for entertainment. He said he formed the Barrel Paragon Dancers in the early 1980s and also appeared as an acrobat in the popular television series The Village Headmaster.
Daddy Showkey credited several industry veterans, including actor Jide Kosoko, for helping shape his career during his formative years.
The entertainer revealed that his mother will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the anniversary concert, describing her as the greatest pillar behind his success.
He said his mother supported his unconventional career path despite criticism from relatives and neighbours who questioned why the son of a teacher was pursuing entertainment instead of focusing solely on academics.
According to him, it will be the first time she will sit in the audience to watch him perform live on stage.
Daddy Showkey also recounted the real-life story behind his hit song Dyna (If You See My Mama), explaining that it was inspired by a woman who had struggled with infertility for nine years.
He said the woman approached him for help after facing pressure from her husband’s family. Following prayers and encouragement, she later conceived, prompting him to immortalise the testimony in a song after obtaining the family’s permission.
The veteran singer said the song became a source of hope for many women facing similar challenges and remains one of the defining moments of his musical career.
Reflecting on the Nigerian music industry, Daddy Showkey praised the new generation of artistes, saying they have elevated Nigerian music to global recognition.
He noted that musicians such as Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid continue to earn international acclaim, describing their achievements as a source of pride for the country.
The singer also spoke about surviving assassination attempts several years ago, insisting the attacks were not random robberies but targeted efforts to eliminate him.
Although he declined to identify those behind the incidents, he expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life despite the attacks.
Daddy Showkey said one of his greatest achievements has been changing public perception about Ajegunle, encouraging residents to embrace their roots with pride.
He recalled being wrongly arrested after applying for a job simply because his address indicated he was from Ajegunle, an experience that inspired him to promote positive stories about the community.
According to him, his mission has always been to prove that success is not determined by where a person comes from but by talent, perseverance and opportunity.
Looking ahead to the anniversary concert, Daddy Showkey said the event will feature performances by several top Nigerian entertainers, including 2Baba, African China, 9ice, Oritse Femi, Saheed Osupa, Danfo Drivers, Tony Tetuila, Korede Bello, Iyanya and Pasuma, among others.
Reflecting on his legacy, the entertainer said fame came with responsibility but remains grateful for every challenge he encountered along the way.
He described Galala as more than just a music genre, explaining that it blended reggae with Nigerian highlife and local sounds while Konto became its signature dance style, inspired by his background as a boxer.
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