SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Veteran Nigerian musician and pioneer of the popular Galala music genre, Daddy Showkey, has described his nomination for Vanguard Newspaper’s 2026 Entertainment Icon of the Year award as one of the most meaningful recognitions of his career.
The 57-year-old entertainer, whose real name is Chief John Odafe Asiemo, expressed deep appreciation after receiving his nomination letter at his Lagos residence on Tuesday, explaining that the recognition holds special significance because of Vanguard’s role in his journey to fame.
According to the singer, Vanguard was the first Nigerian newspaper to give him media attention when he was still an upcoming artist, making the nomination particularly emotional.
“They say a prophet is not recognized by his own people. But I am a prophet who is being recognized by the people who built me. This is the greatest award I have ever received in my life because it is coming from Vanguard,” he said.
Daddy Showkey added that he had watched the newspaper honor other personalities over the years and often wondered when his own turn would come.
He described the nomination as a moment of fulfillment, saying it felt like being celebrated by people who had witnessed his growth from the beginning.
Reflecting on his musical journey, the Galala pioneer revealed that his passion for entertainment started long before he became famous. At just 13, in 1983, he began spending time around NTA broadcaster Danladi Bako on Lagos Island, where he received encouragement and support.
His first song, Big Belle, was released in 1990 in Nawfia, Anambra State.
He also recalled how former Vanguard Entertainment Editor, the late Amadi Ogbonna, played an important role in his career, becoming one of the earliest journalists to write about him and later offering support during a difficult period in his life.
Daddy Showkey recounted an incident during the June 12 political crisis when a photograph of him was published in Daily Champion by journalist Smart Irewudo. The publication reportedly brought him unwanted police attention.
However, Ogbonna recognized him when a police officer showed him the photograph. He subsequently intervened, accompanied him to the police station, and appealed for his release, insisting that he was not a criminal.
The singer said Ogbonna continued supporting him financially and professionally, even accompanying him alongside Irewudo when he signed his first recording deal with Dr. Obiefula Nwankwo in 1999.
Interestingly, the group celebrated the signing at the Vanguard Canal, creating another lasting memory connecting the musician to the newspaper.
Having recently celebrated 50 years in entertainment, Daddy Showkey believes the nomination represents more than an industry honor.
He described it as Vanguard recognizing one of its own, insisting that receiving the award would be the biggest recognition of his lifetime.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
