A Man And His Pain: Droplets Of Aid Shower OJB Jezreel

He walked forward, frail and with a strange pallor. A red shirt clung to what is left of his rapidly dwindling body mass, and his nether regions had chinos pants as veils. A steadying arm of love and compassion, offered by a supporting wife, made him maintain a measured pace. His face wore resignation, with the distant look of a man in overwhelming turmoil. An unkept stubble proudly stood on his chin, craving attention, but getting none. Weightier matters remain unresolved. His eyes told a story, a silent one of present pain, puckered by tenacious optimism. He trudged on, a man and his pain. 46 year old, OJB and his failed kidney.
Confirmed reports broke out last week that veteran producer and the mixer of a thousand beats, OJB Jezreel was down with a case of failed kidneys, and was in dire need of N16 million for a lifesaving transplant, the air was rife with sympathetic waves of emotion, a thousand cries of support, and replica prayer messages saturated cyberspace to overpowering levels. Tears were shed in abundance, numerous voices screamed to the high heavens, and an aid committee, SaveOJBJezreel, was constituted with Nomoreloss, taking the lead role in the concerted rescue mission. Slowly the help trickled in, with Don Jazzy sparing N1 million for the noble cause. Bless the Don. Next came Wizkid, Vector, and a concerned clutch of entertaining soldiers, rallying to save a brother-in-arm. On Monday, 24 June 2013, a concerned group of friends, singers, and media ensigns made the solidarity trip to his residence at No.4 Gbaja Street, Surulere. His famous residence which housed his legendary Silverpoint studio, now Pointbeats studios.
OJB’s manager, Taiye Aliu revealed that a few well-meaning Nigerians have begun to respond to the call. ‘Since the news became public knowledge, a few people have started sending in their donations to the UBA account, and we are very grateful to them. Early supporters, we’re told, include close friend Ruggedman and colleague Don Jazzy who reportedly gave N1m.
Silverpoint studio remains a relic, a sort of Mecca to many an artiste who got their careers launched or propelled by the profoundly talented fingers of beat-maker, OJB. Mode 9, Basketmouth, Abounce, Nomoreloss, Ruggedman, C’mion, Jazzman Olofin, Azadus, Lexy Doo, D’banj, 2face, Paul Play, Sir Shina Peters, Wizkid, and a handsome clutch of world-beaters rolled off his conveyor belt of genius, mentorship, and tutelage. Some he made music for, some got to learn the art of music producing, and others came to tap from his inexhaustible and uplifting fountain of wisdom. Guess no one knows that Wizkid, before EME or Banky W, recorded a 7-track album as a fresh-faced 11 year old who bore the name Lil’ Prinz. But we all subscribe to the knowledge that 2face’s ‘Grass to Grace’ award-winning album was a product of OJB’s glowing talent.
‘If you have a talent and love for anything, just put enough work into it, it may take some time, but someday it will pay off‘. He usually told them all, and today that has paid off immensely most of them.
He remains an unsung legend, receiving aid for his ailment and slowly reaping the harvest of his forgotten sown seeds in the lives of countless others. A helper needs helpers now, and a life needs saving. Let’s all in unison of purpose and oneness of hearts raise the awareness. OJB Jezreel needs our help.
He’s at his house, in need of financial help and fervent prayers.
‘I believe that God will see me through this. We thought we could do it on our own and so we were doing it silently, but now it is obvious that we need help’.
‘I understand that people are concerned, but it’s just that some media have been carrying different reports. One even said that we have found a donor, and another said that I’m in LUTH, and am wondering where they got their report from’, OJB said.
His first wife Mama J, ever a pillar of unwavering support, also gave her take on the issue. ‘Under normal condition, he should be in the hospital now, but he hasn’t been reacting well to the therapy and so we have to weigh other alternatives, that’s why he is at home now’, she said.
May he never walk alone.
To support, OJB Jezreel, donations can be made to his account details: BABATUNDE OKUNGBOWA, UBA: 1015075120



Tags: 2face, Abounce, Azadus, Basketmouth, C’mion, Dbanj, Failed Kidneys, Jazzman Olofin, Lexy Doo, Mode 9, Nomoreloss, OJB Jezreel, Paul Play, Ruggedman, Sir Shina Peters, Wizkid