He walked forward, frail and with a strange pallor. A
red shirt clung to what is left of his rapidly dwindling
body mass, and his nether regions had chinos pants
as veils.
A steadying arm of love and compassion,
offered by a supporting wife, made him maintain a
measured pace. His face wore resignation, with the
distant look of a man in overwhelming turmoil. An
unkept stubble proudly stood on his chin, craving
attention, but getting none.
Weightier matters remain
unresolved. His eyes told a story, a silent one of
present pain, puckered by tenacious optimism. He
trudged on, a man and his pain. 46 year old, OJB and
his failed kidney.
Weak and frail…OJB is supported by his first wife
Mama J
Confirmed reports broke out last week that veteran
producer and the mixer of a thousand beats, OJB
Jezreel was down with a case of failed kidneys, and
was in dire need of N16 million for a lifesaving
transplant, the air was rife with sympathetic waves of
emotion, a thousand cries of support, and replica
prayer messages saturated cyberspace to
overpowering levels. Tears were shed in abundance,
numerous voices screamed to the high heavens, and
an aid committee, SaveOJBJezreel, was constituted
with Nomoreloss, taking the lead role in the
concerted rescue mission. Slowly the help trickled in,
with Don Jazzy sparing N1 million for the noble
cause. Bless the Don. Next came Wizkid, Vector, and
a concerned clutch of entertaining soldiers, rallying to
save a brother-in-arm.
On Monday, 24 June 2013, a
concerned group of friends, singers, and media
ensigns made the solidarity trip to his residence at
No.4 Gbaja Street, Surulere. His famous residence
which housed his legendary Silverpoint studio, now
Pointbeats studios.
OJB’s manager, Taiye Aliu revealed that a few well-
meaning Nigerians have begun to respond to the call.
‘Since the news became public knowledge, a few
people have started sending in their donations to the
UBA account, and we are very grateful to them. Early
supporters, we’re told, include close friend
Ruggedman and colleague Don Jazzy who reportedly
gave N1m.
Silverpoint studio remains a relic, a sort of Mecca to
many an artiste who got their careers launched or
propelled by the profoundly talented fingers of beat-
maker, OJB. Mode 9, Basketmouth, Abounce,
Nomoreloss, Ruggedman, C’mion, Jazzman
Olofin, Azadus, Lexy Doo , D’banj, 2face, Paul
Play, Sir Shina Peters, Wizkid, and a handsome
clutch of world-beaters rolled off his conveyor belt of
genius, mentorship, and tutelage. Some he made
music for, some got to learn the art of music
producing, and others came to tap from his
inexhaustible and uplifting fountain of wisdom.
Guess
no one knows that Wizkid, before EME or Banky W,
recorded a 7-track album as a fresh-faced 11 year old
who bore the name Lil’ Prinz. But we all subscribe to
the knowledge that 2face’s ‘Grass to Grace’ award-
winning album was a product of OJB’s glowing talent.
‘
If you have a talent and love for anything, just put
enough work into it, it may take some time, but
someday it will pay off‘. He usually told them all, and
today that has paid off immensely most of them.
Good days….Before the failed kidneys
He remains an unsung legend, receiving aid for his
ailment and slowly reaping the harvest of his
forgotten sown seeds in the lives of countless others.
A helper needs helpers now, and a life needs saving.
Let’s all in unison of purpose and oneness of hearts
raise the awareness. OJB Jezreel needs our help.
He’s at his house, in need of financial help and fervent
prayers.
‘
I believe that God will see me through this. We
thought we could do it on our own and so we were
doing it silently, but now it is obvious that we need
help’.
‘I understand that people are concerned, but it’s just
that some media have been carrying different
reports. One even said that we have found a donor,
and another said that I’m in LUTH, and am wondering
where they got their report from’, OJB said.
His first wife Mama J, ever a pillar of unwavering
support, also gave her take on the issue. ‘Under
normal condition, he should be in the hospital now,
but he hasn’t been reacting well to the therapy and so
we have to weigh other alternatives, that’s why he is
at home now’, she said.
May he never walk alone.
To support, OJB Jezreel, donations can be made to his
account details
BABATUNDE OKUNGBOWA, UBA:
1015075120
