Daddy Showkey Marks 50 Years on Stage, Reflects on Humble Beginnings and Lasting Legacy

Nigerian music legend and galala pioneer Daddy Showkey has reflected on his remarkable 50-year journey in the entertainment industry, describing his decades-long career as a milestone worth celebrating.

Speaking during an interview on Rubbin’ Minds, the veteran entertainer revealed that his professional journey began in 1976, not as a musician, but as a child acrobat who performed on television and at major national events.

“I started in 1976 as an acrobat. I did acrobatic dancing and performed in many places,” Daddy Showkey said, adding that he actually began entertaining audiences even earlier but officially counts his career from his first television appearance.

The music icon recalled featuring on the popular Barbie Show during the era of the Nigerian Television (NTV), before it became the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), making him one of Nigeria’s earliest child performers.

Addressing questions about his claim of spending five decades in entertainment, Daddy Showkey explained that many people overlook the fact that he started performing professionally as a young child.

“I’ve been telling people that by 2026, it would be 50 years on stage, and they ask, ‘How old are you?’ But I was a child star,” he said.

Beyond celebrating his personal achievement, the veteran entertainer urged parents to identify and nurture their children’s talents early while documenting their progress.

According to him, many gifted children miss opportunities because their journeys are never properly recorded.

Daddy Showkey also paid tribute to veteran broadcaster and master of ceremonies John Chukwu and musician Jimmy Johnson, whom he credited with influencing his early career. He recalled performing at Jimmy Johnson’s album launch at the Federal Palace Hotel after meeting the legends through the television drama Village Headmaster.

He further reminisced about participating in the historic FESTAC ’77 celebrations and performing acrobatics during the opening of the Eko Holiday Inn, then known as Kuramo Lodge.

As one of Nigeria’s most celebrated entertainers, Daddy Showkey’s five-decade career spans acrobatics, music, television, and live performances, cementing his place as one of the pioneers who helped shape Nigeria’s modern entertainment industry.