Popular musician and cultural performer Kosebinu Olumide has opened up about how he rose to become a highly sought-after artist among Awori monarchs- eventually earning the prestigious chieftaincy title of Asiwaju Amuludun of Owode-Ota Awori Land from his royal benefactor, Oba Onitetiku.
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In an exclusive and heartfelt interview with DDNewsOnline, Kosebinu traced his breakthrough back to one pivotal moment: recording a special praise song for, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege the Olota of Ota.
“That was the turning point,” Kosebinu explained. “I did a record for Kabiyesi Olota and it pleased him greatly. From there the word spread quickly among the Awori kings. They began to say: ‘This boy’s music style carries deep respect and correct rhythms.’ That opened many royal doors for me.”
Kosebinu revealed that after the Olota’s endorsement, he learned that Oba Abdulwasiu Adeyanju Akanni Ogungbayi (another senior Awori monarch) also admired his unique fusion of traditional highlife rhythms and modern sounds. Without hesitation, he approached the king.
“To my surprise, Kabiyesi accepted me immediately with no long grammar. He gave me full support and even accommodated me during his 10th year anniversary. On that day, I played opposite the legendary Sir Sefiu Alawo and there was no hindrance at all. Everything flowed smoothly.”
That royal backing created a domino effect: Oba Ogungbayi introduced him to Oba Samuel Oluwafemi Ojugbele, the Onilogbo of Ilogbo-Asowo, for whom Kosebinu also recorded a special praise track. One royal introduction led to another, and soon he was performing and recording for several Awori obas across Ota, Ilogbo, Ado-Odo and neighbouring communities.
The high point came when Oba Onitetiku of Owode-Ota deeply impressed by Kosebinu’s consistency, humility and quality of work Kabiyesi personally conferred on him the chieftaincy title Asiwaju Amuludun of Owode-Ota Awori kingdom.
“Kabiyesi Onitetiku called me and said: ‘You have served the Awori kings well. From today, you are Asiwaju Amuludun of Owode-Ota Awori kingdom.’ That title is my greatest honour. It is proof that when you serve with sincerity and excellence, even kings will honour you.”
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Kosebinu, who blends Yoruba traditional highlife rhythms with contemporary sounds, said his mission remains the same: “I want to keep projecting Awori culture, unity and pride through music. I also want to mentor young upcoming artistes especially those from Ota and Ado-Odo, so they too can rise and get royal blessings like I did.”
He ended with a message of gratitude: “I thank all the royal fathers especially Kabiyesi Olota, Kabiyesi Onilogbo and my own Kabiyesi Onitetiku for believing in me. I promise never to let them or my people down.”
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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