As musicians, friends, and admirers prepare to gather on 29 August to honour the late John Oboh, popularly known as Mighty Mouse, veteran broadcaster, media personality, and politician, Mabel Oboh has paid an emotional tribute to her younger brother. She described him as the father of Ajegunle music and one of Nigeria’s influential grassroots music pioneers.
Mighty Mouse, who died on 18 September 2023, is widely remembered for his pioneering role in developing the Ajegunle, or AJ, music genre that emerged from Ajegunle and Olodi-Apapa in Lagos and went on to influence generations of Nigerian musicians.
For Mabel, however, his legacy extends beyond production and mentorship. She emphasised that Mighty Mouse was also a renowned DJ, recording artist, musician, producer, and innovator who pursued his own musical vision while helping other artists find their voices.
He released his own recordings, including his debut album, “If Them Nor Ready,” followed by “Abuja Business.” His music showed he was not just a producer working behind the scenes, but an artist with an active creative identity. But he had more interest in grooming new talent than pushing his own fame. “That was how humble he was”!
His early recordings reflected his willingness to experiment with different musical traditions. In “If Them Nor Ready,” for example, he explored fusing Edo Esan cultural rhythms with reggae and other Nigerian influences. He even experimented with Asian sounds blended with Esan rhythms in a track titled “Yamuo.”
Mabel recalled witnessing that creative journey in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“I was privileged to witness the birth of Ajegunle music during that time.
My brother believed a unique sound could emerge from our community and compete globally. He dedicated himself to making that happen by first infusing the Edo Esan cultural beat with a reggae beat, followed by other Nigerian cultural beats.”
She said Mighty Mouse refused to see Ajegunle music as something confined to one neighbourhood.
His ambition was further demonstrated through his collaboration with Piper Norman, where he helped develop an Afro-Celtic musical fusion that brought together African, Edo, and Yoruba influences with Celtic elements.
“He believed the music could transcend Ajegunle,” Mabel recalled. “He wanted it to grow, evolve, and connect with other cultures.”
Through his Jahoha Studio, one of Ajegunle’s early professional music studios, Mighty Mouse mentored a generation of young musicians, producers, and engineers. His studio became a creative meeting point where emerging talents could develop their skills.
Artists including Daddy Showkey, Daddy Fresh, and Baba Fryo were among those associated with that era and helped take the Ajegunle sound to wider Nigerian and international audiences.
Mabel said her brother’s generosity was as significant as his musical talent.
“You didn’t just create a genre,” she said. “You welcomed young people, training musicians, producers, and engineers for free. Your humility was boundless, and everyone who passed through Jahoha Studio can attest to your kindness.”
Mighty Mouse’s influence was particularly evident in the way Ajegunle’s grassroots culture became an identifiable musical movement. His work demonstrated that creativity could emerge from communities often overlooked by the mainstream entertainment industry.
Mabel also recalled the extraordinary public reaction following his death in 2023.
“His wake drew Ajegunle and Olodi-Apapa to a standstill. Young and old flooded the streets. Musicians sang in hope, almost wishing to bring him back. It was a powerful reminder of how much he meant to people.”
For Mabel, the gathering on 29 August is therefore more than a memorial. It is an opportunity to celebrate a musical heritage and recognise those who helped shape it.
She expressed particular joy that musicians and friends are coming together to honour her brother’s contribution.
“My greatest joy is that your people are coming out to honour you,” she said.
Mabel also commended her sister, Josephine Oboh-Macleod, for leading efforts from Scotland to Lagos to preserve Mighty Mouse’s legacy and for helping bring the celebration to fruition.
“I call him King John I – the father of Ajegunle music. Undisputed. Even in death, he continues to inspire. His music endures through the artists he mentored and the community he loved.”
Mighty Mouse’s story, she said, is ultimately about more than one man. It is about the power of community, experimentation, and belief – and how a sound born in Ajegunle could travel far beyond its origins.
“Mighty Mouse may be gone, but he lives on through his music, the AJ music legends, his apprentices, and Ajegunle,” Mabel said.
The rhythm persists. His legacy endures.
💕💕💕💕💕💕
