By Igbotako Nowinta, Alltimepost.com Nigeria Bureau Chief
He met staunch and cold atavistic discouragement from some people in his earlier romance with music, but using the powerful innate qualities deposited in him by the Almighty God, Dickson Badaru has proved cynics wrong with his brand of Zion Gospel music.
The ‘Ijebu’ boy
As a teenager, Dickson Olamitayo Badaru (Jnr) was like a diamond in the rough for several years, where he was mocked continuously by many people who came his way and concluded that he was not only day-dreaming, but wasting his precious time in the jungle of music.
He was nicknamed: “Ijebu” meaning (Ijebu chap), which dramatically signposted him as one of those struggling young boys from Ijebu, in Ogun State Nigeria; that further compounded his chances of making any glory from music.
But, in spite of the fact that a lot of people who knew him then felt he would not amount to anything worthwhile musically, Dickson Olamitayo Badaru never relented in the pursuit of his inner convictions.
Despite the fierce discouragement from outside the comfort of his parents’ home, he had been profusely encouraged from within; and by a very few individuals he met while climbing the musical ladder.
Badaru Talked to Alltimepost.com about the genesis of musical journey: “l started singing at a very tender age in the choir at my Dad’s Church, The Divine Yard C & S Church of Christ, ljeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos. My Dad’s name is Prof. D.O.A Badaru.
“l joined my first musical band as a young teenager. It was a Redeemed Christian Church of God band. I started going to shows and also sang at ceremonies, as a backup vocalist.
“Then, l joined Liberty Gospel music/Juju band. Finally, l joined Jolly Music band of the King of Zion music of Sir, Cliff Sama. I became active member of Zion Gospel Fiesta Group. My parents taught me music because my Dad is a good composer, while my mum was a good singer. She would sit me down and teach me songs”.
It was only a matter of time and patience before God in his infinite mercies transformed Dickson Olamitayo Badaru from a diamond in the rough to a glorious Zion singer.
Ijebu-Gbogo
The main component of Dickson Badwaru’s musical philosophy is glorification of the Almighty God, who in His infinite love and wisdom has made his dream come true today.
The 30 years old Dickson, alias ‘Ijebu-Gbogo’ (ljebu-glorious) who hails from Eredo Local Government Area of Lagos State, attended Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, where he read Computer Science, and graduated in 2018.
Like the proverbial Phoenix that rose from the ashes of defeat, Dickson Olamitayo Badaru has indeed risen from neglect, discouragement and struggle to come out with his maiden album which he named:
“Olorun Oluranwo” (God the Helper).
Badaru explained how he became known as ‘Ijebu-Gbogo’: “The story behind this name is very funny. Back then, the name was like a sign of mockery and abuse (Ijebu, because l came from Ijebu), but gradually l improved by His Grace, and those that mocked me back then were the ones who later proclaimed me the name Ijebu-Gbogo (Ijebu-glorious); and that’s how it went viral”
The maverick Zion Gospel singer said he got the title track ‘Olorun Oluranwo’ through inspiration. He declared thus: “I was inspired by what I have passed through in life. I realized that only a few people are willing to help and even some of the few will place you on difficult conditions. It is only God that will stay with you no matter the situation.”
Badaru is a young, hard-working man that grabs every little opportunity that comes his way with both hands. He is very focused and determined to be great.
He is not bothered about other people’s achievements because he believes, we all as mortals are going to do exploits, may be not immediately, but eventually at the Lord’s appointed time.
This wonder chap is indeed a scintillating singer; his music label is De-la Royal Music; the other tracks in this album are: Ojo to pe (Time has come) & Akoko Olorun ( God’s Time). His music producer is Prince Adeleke Leadsax, while this album is dedicated to his beloved late mother: Snr. Rev. So. O. Badaru (Nee Olawomi).
Here is Ijebu-gbogo message to his listeners: “Through my music l want to win souls into the Kingdom of God, preach love and unity among all ethnic groups, and also to rekindle hope in the hearts of the people, that they can be successful, especially, those that are about to give up.”
This bundle of wondrous music, who was inspired by legends like Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, Sir Dr. Cliff Sama, Dr. Debo Ojubuyi, Prof. Rotimi Temituro and R. Kelly is a budding star, with a sonorous voice that can simply not be ignored.
