My Journey

Chapter One — Origins

I was born on December 8th, 1985 in Ijebu-Ife, Ogun State, Nigeria, into the OSIFEKO Royal Dynasty.

My journey into music didn’t begin as a career—it began as discovery.

Back in secondary school in the early 2000s, I realized I could compose verses over already existing gospel choruses. It came naturally to me. I didn’t fully understand it then, but something had already been planted.

Chapter Two — Finding My Sound

After secondary school in 2002, I began composing songs from scratch as a secular artist under the alter ego:

HODDY DA LAKAHYANAH

By 2003, I formed a music group called BOSSOM FRIEND with my childhood best friend, Architect Ariyo Adelagun. We performed at birthday events in Ijebu-Ife, using instrumentals from popular songs.

Our first studio recording was with a DJ in Ijebu Ode, where we rapped over a DMX instrumental. That experience shifted something in me—it made music feel real.

Chapter Three — The First Leap

Between 2003 and 2004, I travelled to Lagos to submit our cassette and pick up the Brothers With Voices artiste audition form from Kenny Saint (Brown) Best.

We didn’t get selected.

At that point, my original dream was to study Insurance (Actuarial Science) at the University of Lagos. But music had already taken hold of me.

My father didn’t agree with that path at first. It took divine intervention—through my uncle, Hon. Raphael Olaosebikan—on a Saturday morning for him to finally allow me to pursue music.

That moment changed everything.

Chapter Four — Entering Lagos

By late 2004, I relocated to Lagos and began recording properly as a secular artist with Divine Austin (Fear Deevee Records).

By early 2005, my music started getting promotional airplay on Raypower FM and Star FM through DJ Ortega and Fresh Teddy The Prince.

Lagos became my training ground.

I performed almost every weekend in clubs like White House (Ikeja), Goddis Garden (Ojota), Lord’s Club (Maryland), and Fendis Club (Ogba), sharing stages where top creatives also came to express themselves.

Chapter Five — The Eruwa Experience

In mid-2005, DJ Ortega gave me a slot to perform at The Polytechnic Ibadan, Eruwa campus, alongside Eddy Remedy at a Fresher’s Welcome Party.

The show was successful—but the aftermath was humbling.

We ran out of money and couldn’t return to Lagos. I and other upcoming artists had to spend an extra night in Eruwa, surviving by plucking fruits just to eat.

Help eventually came from the social prefect and a student known as “Bishop.”

That night stayed with me. It stripped everything down to reality.

Chapter Six — Becoming a Student of Music

Shortly after, in 2005, I gained admission to study Music Technology at The Polytechnic Ibadan.

Life there was transformative.

It felt like being thrown into an ocean—there was no excuse not to grow. From departmental events to faculty performances, I made strong musical impressions year after year.

I learned how to command attention on stage.

Chapter Seven — The CELTEL Stage (2006–2007)

In 2006, I was shortlisted among performing artists for the CELTEL Nigeria NYSC Welcome Party Lagos (Iyana Ipaja Chapter).

That platform brought me alongside established acts like Gbenga Adeyinka The 1st, Gordons, X-Project, Amala & Eba, and other rising talents.

My performance was electrifying—it earned me a return slot in 2007.

During that period, I also met a fellow artist, Oriri, while he was serving as a corps member.

This moment marked my entry into a wider performance circuit beyond campus.

Chapter Eight — Radio & Rising Recognition

Between 2007 and 2008, I began promoting my music on Splash FM Ibadan with presenter Black D at Premier Hotel.

I became a familiar voice on the station—reading listener messages almost every Friday while my songs were also being aired.

That exposure made me widely recognized both on and off campus in Ibadan.

Chapter Nine — Industry Access & Loss

Before that period, I had already met Olufemi Aderibigbe (KWAME), CEO of Nigezie and Virtual Media, in Lagos.

That relationship gave me access to Nigezie monthly shows and broader industry exposure.

In February 2007, I met Dagrin at Sigma Club on the Island. We exchanged contacts for a potential collaboration.

Sadly, he passed away before we could link up again.

That moment reminded me how fragile time can be.

Chapter Ten — Transition to Purpose

By 2010, I had built my own music studio and was running a music business.

But internally, something shifted.

I moved from secular music into gospel.

I changed my stage name from:

HODDY DA LAKAHYANAH → LAKAHYANAH (4) JESUS

In 2011, I released my first gospel song:

“SWAGGER (4) GOD”

And by grace, the project gained attention.

I began ministering in churches across Lagos.

Chapter Eleven — The Breakthrough Visual

In 2012, Olufemi Aderibigbe (KWAME) supported me with professional equipment from Nigezie—camera, lighting, and chroma studio—to shoot the video for SWAGGER (4) GOD.

The Director of Photography, 12 Digit, did an incredible job.

He also gave me the opportunity to shoot part of the video on Apapa waters using a flying boat. That was where I met GT Da Guitarman for the first time.

That day, I had taken garri early in the morning before joining the crew. I was completely broke. They ended up feeding me on set.

After shooting, I couldn’t afford an editor.

But Dozie (Doozie Visuals), who worked at Nigezie, helped me edit the video for free.

The video aired on Nigezie, SoundCity, and LTV.

And suddenly, people began to recognize me on the streets.

Chapter Twelve — The Messenger & The Struggle

In 2014, I released my debut album:

“THE MESSENGER” (13 tracks)

Produced by Tonycee Nelson and co-produced by Waxywax.

I felt accomplished.

But that was when reality hit hardest.

There was little support. Financial struggles increased. Spiritual battles intensified.

At a point, I had to hawk my CDs on the streets of Lagos just to survive.

Still, I kept going.

Chapter Thirteen — Ministry Expansion

By 2015, I began receiving more invitations to minister at Pentecostal churches during praise nights.

That same year, I ministered at the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Gala Night, Ikeja Chapter.

From that point forward, I wasn’t just performing—I was ministering.

Chapter Fourteen — Reinvention & Collaboration

My journey continued steadily until I reconnected with my colleague from Polytechnic Ibadan days, Temitope Enisemo (Teedot Unbeaten), in Ketu Alapere, Lagos.

That meeting sparked new creative direction.

On May 28th, 2022, I released my sophomore album:

“FREEMAN’S ARTISTRY” (10 tracks)

Ibukun Paul Ayodeji (Oh Jazzy) produced four tracks on the project.

I also formed my live band:

MOST HIGH NOTES

That experience elevated my live performance expression.

Chapter Fifteen — Industry Integration

I later joined the Creative Industry Group of Nigeria (CIG), led by Ambassador Felix Duke.

Through that platform, I performed at Industry Nights in Ikeja and connected with more top-level creatives.

Chapter Sixteen — Creative Milestones

In 2023, I collaborated with jazz maestro Yinka Davies on:

“TETE DE (Liberty Shout-out)”

It was a powerful creative experience.

I also continued releasing singles with producers like Sojistar, OH JAZZY and Jaytunesonthebeat, while performing at various events.

Chapter Seventeen — The Present (2026)

As of 2026, I have released three new singles:

EVERY WOMAN (Ladies Anthem)

ALUBARIKA (The Future)

LET’S PLAY (Dull Boy)

My journey hasn’t been a straight road, but I remain grateful for how far God has brought me.

Final Chapter — Purpose

My journey has never been about fame.

It has always been about purpose.

Every stage, every struggle, every breakthrough has shaped one truth:

Music is not just sound—it is healing. It is impact. It is life.

And I remain committed to using it for the total well-being of humanity.