The ‘Beautiful Leaf’ On A Pretty Tree Of Music, Emma Ogosi Clocks 82. Adoring Fans Celebrate The Vintage Singer
The Oasis Reporters
August 14, 2024
By Greg Abolo
As a young secondary school leaver in the late 70s, I had sauntered into the precincts of the then Midwest Television in search of a possible career in broadcasting (which I never got) when I heard a band at rehearsals in the picturesque garden within the premises. It became a habit for me to always show up there so as to watch the live band rehearse, play and record on camera.
That was how I got to meet phenomenal musicians I later knew, such as Patfinn Okonjo, Robo Arigo, Emmanuel Osagie and the unmistakable Emma Ogosi.
I still remember some of their famous songs. On a particular rehearsal, they were singing about Beautiful Leaves On Pretty Trees. The sheer poetry in that song of love blending into an evergreen landscape was all that I needed, so I thought it best to follow the singers and their trajectories in life.
It’s Emma Ogosi’s birthday.
EMMA OGOSI BIOGRAPHY
Nigerian Singer, Emma Ekenem Ogosi was born on the 14th of August 1942 in Akure, Ondo State. He hails from Asaba, Delta State but spent most of his childhood away from home, traversing here and there as a result of his father’s occupation.
Before venturing into music, Emma spent a span of five years in the Nigerian Air force and served as a trainee in Germany as an Aircraft Engineer courtesy of The Nigerian Air force and from there he began to learn how to play the guitar.
Emma’s childhood exposure and explorations helped to influence his conception of life and artistry. He has cited his musical influences to include legendary singers Emmanuel Nita, I.K Dairo, Roy Chicago, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Cliff Richard and many others.
In 1968, Emma went into music professionally and played with several Pop groups like Water Babies, D Reasons, POGO LTD, D Expensives and Kosmic 3, both in Germany and in Nigeria.
Emma was a pioneer TV producer and director with the Midwest Television, which later became ‘NTV Benin’, and finally Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Benin City and his contributions to the media has never been underestimated till date.
Emma came up as a solo artist in 1980 and the following year, he released his first renowned album ‘Nobody Knows’, an album that was widely received by lovers of good music both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.
Subsequently, Emma released other albums titled, ‘It’s not easy’, ‘Sweet love’, ‘Weekend show’ etc
With the discovery of the disorganized structure of the music industry in the 80s, a union of Musicians called ‘ Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria’ (PMAN), was formed in 1982 with Emma Ogosi as the first Secretary General of the Association, an office he oversaw for six years.
Emma’s musical genre ranges from Country music to Highlife and Afro-funk.
Being a pioneer builder, Emma has helped to discover and nurture several artistes like Evi-Edna Ogholi, who is still widely known as ‘Nigeria’s first woman reggae super star.
Evi-Edna Ogholi sings a birthday song, and the producer was Emma Ogosi.
Emma’s achievements over the years still speak volumes and like the saying goes, ‘in art, you don’t retire’, the vibrant talented Singer is coming out with an afrobeat-Highlife song, a single titled SENYIWA.
Emma Ogosi is 82 today. Happy birthday, vintage wine!
Greg Abolo
gregabolo@gmail.com
