The popular saying that “We all walk within the orbit of our destiny” can best describe the story of popular Akure based music maestro, Dr Gbenga Obagbemi, the Chief Executive Officer of DE EMERALDS musical group.
Dr Obagbemi, a graduate of Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Akure started early in life as a banker with many years of banking experience.
Due to his passion for music right from childhood and the burning desire to effect some changes in the society, the music icon developed a career from that passion which had been part of him from childhood.
While he was making wave in the banking industry, destiny had another assignment for him in the music world.
Without looking back, the Idanre- Ondo State born Obagbemi began to entertain guests with his band members at parties, churches and other social events under the brand name GCLEF.
This later metamorphosed to the award winning DE EMERALDS, a large orchestra band full of young minds, both male and females who decided to join Dr Obagbemi in using music as agent of change in the society.
Dr Obagbemi while featuring on a popular entertainment programme on Positive fm Akure, “THIS FRIDAY WITH EMMANUEL”, TFWE hosted by EMMANUEL ORIOWO said DE EMERALDS group is not only for entertainment but to teach morals, attitudinal change and restore values which had been eroded by Western culture among both young and old.
He said “Emeralds is out to make music that are both entertaining and impactful, promote values, inspire and challenge our audience to be better. Music that reflects on the realities of life”
According to him, DE EMERALDS tracks such as GBÉSÈ and KÀWÉ are meant to encouraged people that with courage, hardwork and dedication, they can achieve success from whatever they set out to do.
“Our music also discourages laziness and the get rich quick syndrome spirit in sone youths especially those who engage in Internet fraud. It is possible to restore attitudinal change among our youths through music. This we can achieve by being intentional. We must create music that inspires social and attitudinal change and challenge our audience to be better in the society” Obagbemi submitted.
Speaking on the musical journey so far, Dr Obagbemi described the journey as both interesting and challenging.
He said challenges such as Lack of support for upcoming artistes, lack of Funding, high cost of recording and inadequate equipment are being often faced by budding musicians but that his musical group, DE EMERALDS has enjoyed the goodwill of eminent Nigerians.
Dr Obagbemi enjoined upcoming artistes to produce songs that would reflect on the realities of life and correct societal ills even while they try to entertain with such music.
