Daddy Showkey
Galala dance creator, John Odafe Asiemo, professionally known as Daddy Showkey, says he has only one regret in his life.
The Isoko, Delta State-born entertainer made the disclosure to this paper in a phone call on Thursday, August 5, being his birthday.
When asked if he has any regret in life as he adds another year to his age, he said the death of his grandmother is his only regret as the old woman did not live to see what he has become in life, which is a fulfilment of her prayers.
“My grandmother’s death is the only regret I have in life. She died in 1996. She was the only person who believed in me, along with my mother. I wish she lived to see what that little boy in the ghetto has become. She took good care of me, she always prayed for me to be a success in future,” he said.
The “Ghetto Soldier” also revealed what has been his best kept secret as he turns 51.
“There is one top secret that I want to reveal to you my Oga Sunny Okim. Only very close family members know that I go for regular medical check-up. You see, many Nigerians don't care. Entertainers have died abruptly because they just continue to work and work without regular medical check-up.
“As I am talking to you now, I’m in London, UK to keep an appointment with my doctor, even though today (Thursday) is my birthday. Not that I have any sickness or feel any pain on any part of my body, I don’t just joke with medical check-up. That is what many people don't know about me.
“Please, if nothing else, ensure that you walk around for 30 minutes everyday and stop eating red meat. That is the advice I can give to you even if I have nothing else to give you.”
What would he regard as his greatest achievement in life since he released his first single in 1991 titled “Fire Fire” which was an instant hit?
Hear him: “I don’t count mundane things as achievement. They are vanity upon vanity. What I consider as achievement is the joy in my heart. I am free anywhere in the world to move around and people cheer me ‘Showkey! Showkey!!’ That is my greatest achievement.
“Tell me, how many of the billionaires or government functionaries you know can walk on the streets freely and mix with the people? But I have achieved that, and I am happy.
“My life has been a story of grass to grace. From the ghetto to global recognition. What other achievement is bigger than that?” He narrated.
A friend of the house,Maggie’s Blogwishes the galala singer a happy birthday, long life and prosperity.
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.