When your roots run deep in music royalty, it’s only natural that rhythm becomes your first language. For the children of gospel-Juju maestro Tolu Obey—son of legendary Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey—music isn’t just a hobby; it’s the family lifeblood.
“I’ve been into music since the day I was born,” says Simileoluwa Anuoluwapo Obey Fabiyi, better known to many as Mandela Obey. “The water I drink is music, the food I eat is music, the clothes I wear is music, the air I breathe is music.”
That poetic description is not an exaggeration. Growing up under the tutelage of his grandfather and father, Mandela and his siblings were immersed in music through rehearsals, home performances, and an environment where everyone had a role to play. “There’s no way you’ll be in that house and not partake,” he says. “It’s in our blood.”
Mandela, alongside his brothers—Royce LK (Olaoluwa) and Niran Boy—is keeping the family’s musical legacy alive. The trio has been involved in various creative projects, with two of them currently working on a collaborative album. Mandela, though not featured musically on the project, plays a vital role behind the scenes. “My support, my love, my calls in the middle of the night, my prayers—all of that counts. It goes a very long way.”
What makes this family dynamic even more compelling is how music doesn’t overshadow other talents. “I’m also a photographer, cinematographer, I do live streaming, and I’m into media production,” Mandela reveals. “It’s not easy juggling everything, but we draw strength from those who came before us.”
And it seems that musical talent runs through every single sibling. “Nobody is left out,” Mandela says proudly. “Some play percussion, others play strings, some are vocalists. Everyone has something to contribute. If you decide to follow it seriously, then you grow into it like the rest of us.”
The Obey siblings are seven in number: Gbemisola (Atiletin), Simileoluwa (Mandela), Olaoluwa (Royce LK), Niran (Niran Boy), Ifeoluwa (the family’s tech brain), Gbenga (the accountant), and another Gbemisola (the fashionista). Each one is carving out a path, musically or otherwise, but all are connected by the same cultural and spiritual values.
When asked about the man who shaped them—Tolu Obey—Mandela offers a powerful insight. “People know the man on stage, but not many know the father behind the scenes. What you see is the product of love, care, and constant support from us—his family.”
In a world full of noise and fleeting fame, the Obey family stands out for their grounded legacy, tight-knit bond, and unshakeable faith. “Every family has its crisis,” Mandela says in closing, “but Christ solves it all. Christ Jesus saves.”
Indeed, it’s not just a family of musicians—it’s a family of purpose.
When you meet Mandela Obey—born Simileoluwa Anuoluwapo Obey Fabiyi—you’re instantly drawn to his striking appearance. It’s not just the confidence with which he carries himself or the depth in his voice when he speaks about music. It’s something more visual, more symbolic—a signature look that mirrors his father, Tolu Obey, and echoes the legendary grace of his grandfather, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey.
But this look isn’t just style for style’s sake.
In a heartwarming conversation with Citypeople Jamiu Abubakar (08085185886), Mandela reveals the deeper meaning behind the family’s shared appearance—a tradition that, for them, is more than a trend. It’s heritage.
“My grandfather started it,” Mandela says, his tone filled with quiet pride. “He had that distinct look when he was much younger, and even now, it hasn’t completely left him. My dad picked it up naturally, and we—his children—just followed.”
The hairstyle, a simple yet bold expression, has become something of a signature for the Obey family. Whether it’s a particular way the hair is groomed or styled, it instantly signals a connection to a lineage deeply rooted in music, culture, and discipline.
“It’s a heritage that’s been passed on,” Mandela continues. “And not just to me and my brothers, but even our cousins. We’ve embraced it—not because anyone forced us to, but because it’s part of who we are.”
In a time when individualism often overshadows tradition, Mandela and his siblings offer a refreshing contrast. They wear their hair as a tribute—not just to the men before them, but to the values those men stood for: consistency, faith, artistry, and legacy.
“It’s not just about appearance,” Mandela explains. “It’s about identity. It’s about carrying something greater than yourself, something you didn’t start, but something you’re proud to continue.”
As the Obey children plan to pass this tradition on to their own kids someday, it’s clear that this legacy—like their music—won’t end with this generation. It will keep growing, just like the rhythm that runs through their veins.
–Jamiu Abubakar
