- Title: NIGERIA: PROFILE OF NIGERIAN REGGAE STAR JOHN ASIEMO AKA 'DADDY SHOWKEY'
- Date: 1st August 1999
- Summary: CLOSEUP PHOTO OF HIS MOTHER FLORENCE ASIEMO
- Embargoed: 16th August 1999 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: LAGOS AND VARIOUS LOCATIONS, NIGERIA
- Country: Nigeria
- Topics: Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA3GZNUHMK3CT1XYV3S5QUT13M6
- Story Text: Few slums in Africa are as renowned for producing celebrities as they are for their crippling poverty and runaway crime.But one slum in Nigeria is surprisingly famous for both.
Ajegunle - the largest and most dangerous slum in Lagos, has the nickname 'Jungle City'.But its proud claim to fame is the long list of talented athletes and musicians who've been born and bred here...
The latest in the line of hot new artists from the area is John Asiemo.
Better known as 'Daddy Showkey,' the 35 year old Reggae star is currently one of Nigeria's best selling artists.
"My inspiration into music is life in my area - Ajegunle in Nigeria, because that is the ghetto area and people always want to believe that if you grow up in that area either you become a tout or a robber or those like a useless kid.But at the end of the day I accomplished with the creativity and inspiration from my neighbourhood.Now I am proud that I come from that neighbourhood."
Two successful albums have allowed Showkey to move to a much richer part of town, but he still comes to visit his old neighbourhood every weekend - these days in a Mercedes.
His arrival never fails to delight some of his biggest fans - children.
With a little encouragement from Showkey, they sing along to one of his latest hits, 'Somebody's Calling My Name." He says "children are what motivates me more because I believe one day they will grow up and achieve better things than what I've achieved."
Showkey's dedication to children in Ajegunle has led him to start a foundation on their behalf.
His wife says "when you look at him - his behavior or his attitude or his character, you would think he's rough.But when you get close to him you know he's a nice somebody.He's a nice guy, He's not all that troublesome.
He's no rascal.He's very caring."
Himself a father, the real reason Showkey comes back to Ajegunle is not fans but family.
Like most mothers - Mama Showkey was at first reluctant when her son chose to pursue music over further schooling but she too has come to love Showkey's songs: "I'm very happy, I say I'm proud of him.And anytime I see him like that I be moved, Even I be dancing myself."
Showkey describes his music as a mix of classic Reggae and traditional African rhythms.
Having once been a boxer and an acrobat, he's a master showman, and loves performing on stage.
Showkey's stardom is now allowing him not only financial success, but more recognition abroad - both in Europe and in Africa.
But a love of children and his old neighbourhood will always be at the heart of his music: "I am a real ghetto youth - I went through so many things - the good, the bad, and the ugly.But at the end of the day I always remember my roots. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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