Veteran Nigerian singer John Odafe Asiemo, better known as Daddy Showkey, has explained why he is celebrating 50 years on stage despite being only 56 years old.

The entertainer said the milestone marks his entire career journey, which began when he was six years old.

Daddy Showkey will turn 56 on August 4. He said the celebration will begin with a music concert in Ajegunle on August 8. A grand finale will follow at Eko Hotel and Suites on August 9.

Started as a child star

Speaking on Arise TV, Daddy Showkey said many people are surprised by the anniversary because they only know him as a musician.

He explained that his career started long before he became famous for music.

“I started appearing on television in 1976. I was on Bar Beach Show, then I went on to feature in other shows, and I was just six years old. It surprises me when people ask how old I am because I’m celebrating 50 years on stage,” he said.

Beyond music

Daddy Showkey said he began as an acrobat before moving into television and acting. He later ventured into music and built a successful career.

According to him, the celebration is about more than his achievements as a singer.

“I will only encourage parents to discover their children’s talents and document their journey. I started as an acrobat. I’m not just celebrating Daddy Showkey the musician, but Daddy Showkey as an entertainer.

“Some of the people who discovered me back then are still alive. I was part of ‘Village Headmaster’. It was Adejumo Lewis who discovered me in Ajegunle. I started when I was six, and I’ll be 56 soon. I call myself a child star, and I appreciate my mother for that.”

Message to parents

The singer encouraged parents to identify and support their children’s talents. He also credited his mother for helping him develop his abilities at an early age.

Born in August 1970, Daddy Showkey rose to fame in the early 1990s. He became one of Nigeria’s biggest music stars during the 1990s and 2000s.

He is widely known for popularising the Galala dance style. His songs also explored themes of love, religion, and social issues.