Video: "I'm Shocked and Disappointed" - African China Condemns Poor Turn Out of Celebrities at OJB Jezreel's Burial

Last month, music producer OJB Jezreel died from complications arising from a long time kidney disease just a few weeks shy of his 50th birthday. 

Accolades and tributes poured from his colleague in the industry, and while one who think there would be a massive turn out of friends and celebrities from the music industry at his burial which held last Friday, July 8, the opposite was the case.

In a new interview with HipTV, singer African China expressed dismay at the poor turn out of celebs at OJB's final rites. He said he was shocked and disappointed that stars who had good things to say about the late producer never showed up.

Two Lives And Other Stories By Reuben Abati

Read 'sReuben Abati piece below...

Two lives lost recently in the creative industry convey useful messages in terms of the import of their careers and the circumstances of their departure: the elderly actress, simply known as Bukky Ajayi, and the music entrepreneur, multi-talented artiste, producer and musician, Babatunde Okungbowa, popularly known as OJB Jezreel. Bukky Ajayi died aged 82, and she has been well mourned by the artistic community especially members of Nollywood who have described her as a role model, an iconic figure and a motherly figure to younger actors and actresses.

Many mourners have added that her death is shocking: every death in Nigeria is considered shocking ironically, even when the dead is as old as 100, or has been known to be terminally ill. In March 2016, when Bukky Ajayi received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Ceremony, she was already wheel-chair bound and terminally ill. But I guess we are always shocked by death, because we always expect our loved ones to live forever. And 82-year old Mama Ajayi was truly a lovable figure.

OJB Jezreel is Dead

Nigerian producer, Babatunde Okungbowa aka OJB Jezreel, is dead. 

He was said to have died this morning, June 14, at Isolo General Hospital in Lagos. The news of his demise is coming just one month to his 50th birthday as a family source claims that his kidney transplant failed completely since last week. 

He was kept on daily dialysis before his urgent need for oxygen yesterday. Recall that the producer was down with kidney related disease, and was consequently flown to India for a transplant in 2013. 

On October 21, same year, the singer successfully underwent the surgery at the Indian hospital. 

OJB JEZREEL CRIES AT THANKSGIVING SERVICE! …Says, “My Perception Of Life Has Changed, I Want To Impact Lives.’

In appreciation to God for sparing his life through his kidney transplant surgery in India, popular music producer, OJB Jezreel, invited friends, family and well-wishers to St Loius Catholic Church, Ikeja, for a thanksgiving ceremony writes TOFARATI IGE.
The church service was officiated by Msgr. John Aniagwu, Fr. Joseph Anyanwuu and Fr. Tobias Nwafor. During the ceremony held on Sunday, January 19th, 2013, the cleric announced, "This is a gathering of thanksgiving.

We have come to thank God that He did not abandon us during the struggle, but brought us into a new year. We need to give him praise," the priest admonished the congregation.”
When it was time for OJB's thanksgiving, the maverick producer, who still goes around with a nose guard and walks at a slow pace, moved forward surrounded by his three wives, children and well-wishers.
Dressed in a white native attire with loafers of the same colour to match, OJB was full of gratitude as he nodded his head vigorously while the priest prayed.


Overwhelmed by the significance of the event, OJB could not hold back his emotions as he broke down in tears when he got back to his seat.
 Speaking  after the service, OJB stated, "I'm really overwhelmed by all this. Do you know what it means for a person to almost lose his life three times? I'm just really grateful to God. My mum, my daughter and I have all had strange occurrences, but I just thank God."


40 People, Events That Shaped The Nigerian Entertainment Industry in 2013

40 People, Events That Shaped The Nigerian Entertainment Industry in 2013 by BY ’NONYE BEN-NWANKWO AND ADEMOLA OLONILUA of the PUNCH.

The year 2013 would be over in a couple of days. For the entertainment industry, expectedly, it was a year of drama, avalanche of controversies, happy moments, scandals, weddings and unfortunately, deaths. The year witnessed some highpoints for some practitioners and certainly, some entertainers have had it rough and raw. Here are some highlights of events and people that made 2013 tick.

Most of The Cheques People Donated Bounced" OJB says in New Interview

During a recent interview with HipHop World magazine, OJB said that many cheques given to him towards his kidney transplant, bounced.

There are well meaning and bitter people in Naija. Most people were just complaining and these people didn’t even donate. All the figures flying in the air then were just fake and make-belief from different angles because if we had the money we wouldn’t have the governor donate N16million.Lots of cheques that some people donated bounced. I don’t want to mention names and when we called them to come for their cheques they didn’t come for it. We didn’t want to talk about it in the media because it was about saving a life.

He also talks about his gratitude to his wife for donating her kidney to him, and about the man who gave him N6m to renovate his house, $10,000 for medical expenses and bought him a 2010 Land Rover. See that after the cut...

OJB’s 1st Wife Mabel Okungbowa Donated 1 of Her Kidneys To Save Her Husband

Veteran Nigerian producer OJB Jezreel, who was diagnosed with Kidney problems a few months ago, is back in the news. Although his surgery in India was successful, the donor of the kidney that bounced the producer back to life has however raised a dust. Inside sources mentioned that OJB’s first wife Mabel Okungbowa donated one of her kidneys to save her husband.

According to a source, Mama J, as OJB’s wife is fondly called, checked into the Columbia Asia Hospital in India with OJB on the 19^th of October 2013, where they had a successful Kidney transplant.

OJB Discharged From Hospital In India, Thanks Fans For Support

OJB has been discharged from a hospital in India after a successful kidney transplant. The ace music producer sent out a release thanking everyone and said he will be home soon. Find statement below. 

Dear fellow Nigerians,
Greetings from far away India! I am sure this note from me will catch you with a little surprise. I have been reading a lot of news about me being published on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and different blogs by my good friends. I thought I must take out a quick moment and let you know that I am officially discharged today from the hospital, after a successful Kidney Transplantation Surgery, by God’s Grace.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Nigerians for your prayers and good wishes, without which all this would not have been possible. I also take this opportunity to thank my friends, fans and family for all the love, prayers and good wishes for a Speedy Recovery!! Be home with you soon…….
Thank you once again sincerely,
Your very own OJB Jezreel.

Follow Me On Twitter: @effiongeton

OJB Kidney Transplant in India - Update

Here's a little info for you. More than a month after he went to India for kidney surgery, veteran music producer OB Jezreel is yet to undergo the surgery. The delay was necessary to enable OJB undergo several pre-transplant treatment before the main surgery. He has now concluded all necessary medical tests and will have the procedure in the coming days.

Follow Me On Twitter: @effiongeton

OJB is Stable & Responding to Treatment In Columbia Asia Hospital Bangalore, India

OJB Jezreel through the donations made to his treatment was able to travel to India for his Kidney Transplant. He is currently stable and responding well to treatment. He says to his fans and well wishers, " I thank GOD for his mercies and thank my family and friends who are praying for me and wishing me well. I do miss my family back home, greatly."

#SaveOJB Fund Raising Committee Confirms Governor Amaechi Has Donated $100,000 For OJB Jezreel’s Kidney Transplant

Now you know!We have on record that Governor of Rivers State,Rotimi Amaechi has approved the sum of $100,000 to be handed to #OJB on Friday.
— NOMORELOSS® (@mr_nomoreloss) July 3, 2013

Head of fund raising committee for #SaveOJB, Singer Nomoreloss confirmed the story on Twitter before sending out the press release after the jump:

OJB Jezreel Reacts to Juliet Ibrahim's Statement - "It Won't Cost A $100k For Kidney Transplant"

Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim, Last week posted on her instagram page saying kidney transplant does not cost more than $50k and wondered why people raising funds for OJB were requesting for $100, 000. Well, OJB has reacted to that.

The ailing music singer/producer told Encomium mag...

"The mistake she's making is that it depends on the hospital you are going to in India. She says she runs a foundation, they might give her a rebate. The procedure itself is $55, 000. When you take out $55, 000, you are left with $45, 000. What about the running cost of the procedure? You don't go to India only to come back and start asking for help again. At least, I need some money to maintain myself for the next one year. So when you factor in all these costs, add air tickets and lodging, you will appreciate what we are talking about.

Ruggedman Blasts Celebrities Over Silence About Alleged Donations To OJB Jezreel

Nigerian Rapper, Ruggedman, has lambasted some of his colleagues who have kept quiet over their alleged false donations to the 'Save OJB Jezreel' campaign, as it was also rumoured that due to these reports, the Lagos State government reportedly withdrew its support towards the cause.

Worried by this development and the inability of the managers of these celebs involved in this matter coming out to clear the air on the issue, Ruggedman has vented his anger and has termed the above celebs as "liars".

Mr celebrity,if u r mentioned as donating money to #saveojbjezreel n its false u r as bad as d liars if u ... http://t.co/mBibLc5jU9
— The Blessed One (@RuggedyBaba) July 2, 2013

IF YOU CANNOT SAVE A LIFE, PLEASE DO NOT END ONE. "Stop d fake tweets n BCs"
— The Blessed One (@RuggedyBaba) July 2, 2013

May God forgive u if ur false tweet ends up killing another persons loved one
— The Blessed One (@RuggedyBaba) July 2, 2013

The tweets get more interesting after the jump: 

#OJBMUSTLIVE Fund Raising Concert

Even though the venue had to be changed at the last minute to DV8 Club, 14b Adeola Hopewell Street, VI,  Concerned Friends of OJB, with OJB's consent, will tonight hold a fund-raising get together. This is to act as an additional avenue to see that the needed funds are raised to save the music industry pioneer and legendary producer’s life. 

A host of Nigeria’s brightest artistes including: Cool Dj Jimmy Jatt, Vector, Jaywon, Nomoreloss, Yemi Sax, Yemi Alade, Q Hunta, and many will be coming out to show love and support to OJB, at the OJB Must Live Concert. Tickets to the event cost N1000 and will be available at the venue and all proceeds from this fundraiser event will be donated directly to OJB it is also important to mention that OJB’s management will be in charge of donations received at the venue of this event. We invite you to join us as we use music and entertainment to raise funds to save the life of the one who has mentored so many and played a pivotal role in turning the industry to the path of success it is currently on.

For Verification, please call OJB’s Management directly on any of these numbers: 08088461026 or 0815413674.

#OJBMUSTLIVE Fund Raising Concert

#OJBMUSTLIVE Fund Raising Concert is billed to hold on Sunday 30th June 2013 at 1Eleven:82 Adetokunbo Ademola street Opposite Eko Hotel VI Lagos. Ticket: 1K FLAT   Time: 3pm. 

Last week, the Nigerian entertainment industry and indeed, the whole of the country had its core shaken, as we received news that legendary music producer, singer, and songwriterOJB Jezreel had been diagnosed with renal failure leading to the loss of both kidneys. The renowned producer who is responsible for the production of a slew of internationally acclaimed hit songs and has been directly involved in the success stories of a number of Nigeria’s biggest artistes such as TuFace Idibiaand Wizkid, is currently on dialysis and needs a life-saving kidney transplant – the cost of which has been estimated at N16 million.

Peter, Paul & Jude Okoye Donate N5m to OJB Jezreel

It is well with u @OJB... God is in control. Luv u bro.
— Peter Okoye (@PeterPsquare) June 27, 2013

Peter and Paul Okoye, better know as P-Square, alongside elder brother Jude 'Engees' Okoye yesterday donated N5million to producer/singer OJB who needs $100,000 for a kidney transplant.  More after the cut:

Iyanya & Manager Ubi Franklin Donate N1m to OJB Jezreel

Iyanya and his manager Ubi Franklin yesterday visited ailing Singer/producer OJB Jezreel at his Surulere residence and donated N1million. OJB produced 'Gbadun You', the first track on Iyanya's first album after he won Project Fame in 2008. Iyanya and Ubi returned from London and went straight to see OJB. 

To donate, see the account details below:
Babatunde Okungbowa. UBA – 1015075120.

God bless you as you do so. Thank You.  More after the cut:

[Music] Ebubedike - Pimpin 2nite Feat H-man & Queenzy

Ebubedike Formerly known as Kage..  The firey rap artiste drops his album titled "gOD MC ”released under his out fit. Warrior Entertainment. Just 10 tracks with production skillz from ojb jezreel, wole oni, I D Cabasa, E twinz,Big Lo, Rymzo and Blaq Jersey ( Esama of Beatz ) a sample of Anita ward's Ring my bell. Listen, Click and download "Pimpin 2nite” Feat H-man & Queenzy.

[Video] OJB Jezreel Speaks About His Need For A Kidney Transplant

To donate, see the account details below:
Babatunde Okungbowa. UBA – 1015075120.

God bless you as you do so. Thank You. 

"I Have 8 to 10 Weeks Left to Get My Transplant Done" - Says OJB Jezreel

OJB Jezreel gave an interview to Encomium magazine yesterday Monday June 24th where he said had eight weeks left to get his operation done. Excerpts below...

"When early diagnosis was done, it was just a case of renal failure. Right now, my two kidneys are gone. We are running dialysis at the moment. It started two years ago, but gradually depreciated. Most people tend to attribute kidney problem to drinking and smoking. I was told it doesn't have anything to do with that, because as much as I drink and smoke then, it was casual drinking. Maybe they offer you a bottle of drink and all that but not like I drink 15 bottles a day. I have a friend who has gone through this and he never drank or smoked.

"The whole process of the treatment from pre-process, transplanting process and post-transplanting will cost about $100, 000. In two years I have spent up to N5million which I have been trying to maintain myself. That is why it has been kept secret."

"God willing, I have like eight to ten weeks more to get the transplant done. It's strange, I still walk around a little. I can't eat much though. I trust God and Nigerians for their financial support"

To donate, see the account details below:

Babatunde Okungbowa. UBA – 1015075120.

God bless you as you do so. Thank You.