You know, when people hear the name Abu Abel, different images come to mind. Some see the flashy entrepreneur cruising through Dubai’s streets, others remember him as the talent manager who gave us some of Nigeria’s biggest music hits. But who really is this man behind Obimzy Records? Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Abu Abel’s fascinating journey from Sagamu to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential business moguls.
Who is Abu Abel? Understanding the Man Behind the Brand
Abu Abel’s real name is Olaseni Johnson, though he’s also widely known as Abel Ololade Egbarin. Now, here’s something interesting about his story—while he was born on November 8, 1972, in Lagos, Nigeria, he actually hails from Agbor in Delta State, specifically from the Ika tribe. But if you’re wondering why he seems so connected to Lagos and the Yoruba culture, it’s because that’s where he grew up and built his empire.
Standing tall at 6’3″ with his signature braids and tattoos, Abu Abel isn’t just physically imposing—his business presence is even more commanding. He’s a Christian by religion and attends Celestial Church, having grown up in the white garment church tradition. This spiritual foundation would later influence his entry into the music world in ways you might not expect.
The Early Years: From Sagamu Streets to University Halls
Let’s rewind to where it all began. Abu Abel grew up with his parents in Sagamu, Ogun State, in the southwestern region of Nigeria. His educational journey started at Army Children School in Sagamu, where he completed his primary education. From there, he moved to Sonyindo Community High School for his secondary education.
But here’s where his story gets really interesting. After completing secondary school, Abu Abel attended Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye, where he earned a degree in Management. That management degree? It wasn’t just a piece of paper—it became the foundation for every business empire he would later build.
Now, you’re probably wondering how a management graduate ended up in the music industry. Well, that’s where the Celestial Church connection comes in. Growing up in the Celestial fold, he developed an interest in music, which led him to work as a percussionist under the leadership of the famous gospel musician, late Evangelist Roland Olubukola Olomola, popularly known as Baba Ara. This mentorship wasn’t just about learning to play instruments—it was about understanding rhythm, timing, and how to recognize raw talent when you see it.
Breaking Into the Music Industry: The Birth of Obimzy Records
After Baba Ara’s unfortunate passing, Abu Abel knew he had to honor his mentor’s legacy in his own way. In 2010, he set up his own record label, Obimzy Records, to contribute to the Nigerian music industry. And let me tell you, this wasn’t just another record label trying to make quick money—this was a vision to empower young Nigerian talent.
The Game-Changing Moment: Junior Boy’s “Irapada”
Here’s the moment that put Obimzy Records on the map. In 2017, the label received a major boost with the signing of Ephraim Bababo, popularly known as Junior Boy, whose hit single “Irapada” featuring 9ice carved a significant niche for Obimzy Records in the Nigerian music industry. That one song leveled the playing field, putting Abu Abel’s label alongside some of Nigeria’s most reputable record labels.
But Junior Boy wasn’t the only success story. Through Obimzy Records, Abu Abel established good working relationships and cordial ties with many prominent artists including Oritsefemi, Terry G, Naira Marley, Reminisce, Zlatan, Olamide, SmallDoctor, Qdot, and 9ice. Notice a pattern here? These aren’t just any artists—these are some of the biggest names in Nigerian indigenous music.
What makes Abu Abel different from other talent managers is his eye for spotting raw, untapped potential. His hallmark is his ability to identify and hone the innate talents of upcoming acts, turning street hustlers into superstars. He became known as the man who could take an unknown artist and turn them into a household name.
Beyond Music: The Real Estate Empire
Now, here’s where Abu Abel really shows his business acumen. While most people would be satisfied with running a successful record label, he saw opportunities everywhere. He ventured into real estate with Obimzy Properties, which has been thriving for over four years with flourishing properties in upscale Lekki, Ajah, Lagos, and even in London and its environs.
Think about that for a second—from managing musicians to managing million-dollar properties across continents. That management degree from OOU was really paying off! His real estate portfolio isn’t just about buying and selling properties; it’s about identifying premium locations and understanding market trends before anyone else does.
The Dubai Connection: Living the International Dream
You’ve probably seen those flashy videos of Abu Abel in Dubai, right? Well, there’s a whole story there. He later moved to Dubai, where he pursued higher education and business ventures. Dubai wasn’t just a playground for him—it became another business hub where he expanded his entertainment and real estate interests.
In Dubai, he owns Obimzy Lounge, a luxury club and restaurant, catering to high-end clientele. He also established Obimzy Foundation, a charity organization that supports the less privileged in Nigeria. See, this is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart—they don’t just make money, they create systems that give back.
The Family Man Behind the Public Persona
Now let’s talk about something Abu Abel keeps relatively private—his family life. The information here is a bit mixed depending on sources, but he is married with four children—two boys and two girls. Despite his very public business life and social media presence, he maintains considerable privacy around his family, which honestly is smart in today’s world.
The Philanthropic Side: More Than Just Flash
Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough. Through The Obimzy Foundation, Abu Abel has come to the aid of many vulnerable people in Lagos and Sagamu. But it goes beyond the foundation. His Instagram account has become a hub for individuals seeking help financially or artistically, where he continues to give substantial amounts to even those he has neither met nor known.
Think about that—a man who built himself from the ground up, never forgetting where he came from. That’s the kind of generosity that defines legacy, not just wealth.
Controversies: Navigating the Storm
Now, no success story is complete without addressing the controversies, and Abu Abel has had his share. He has been accused of being a fraudster and a drug dealer by some people, and has been involved in legal battles with some former artists, such as Lyta, who left his record label over contract issues.
There was also the highly publicized incident involving DJ Chicken, which went viral and generated significant public backlash. These controversies show that running entertainment businesses in Nigeria comes with its challenges—contract disputes, personality clashes, and the constant scrutiny that comes with success.
But here’s the thing about controversies—they’re part of the journey for anyone doing big things. Whether you believe the accusations or not, what’s undeniable is that Abu Abel has continued building his empire despite the noise.
The Money Talk: Understanding Abu Abel’s Net Worth
Let’s address what everyone’s curious about—how much is Abu Abel really worth? Well, estimates vary widely. Some sources estimate his net worth at $100 million, while other estimates place it between $10 million and $30 million as of 2025.
The truth is, when you have diverse investments spanning music, real estate, oil and gas, and entertainment across Nigeria, Dubai, and London, putting an exact figure on net worth becomes tricky. What we know for sure is that he makes money from multiple streams—his record label, property developments, business endorsements, and various investments.
Social Media Influence: Building a Digital Empire
In today’s world, your social media presence is as important as your bank account, and Abu Abel understands this perfectly. He has over 800,000 followers on Instagram where he posts pictures and videos of his lifestyle, music, and friends, plus over 100,000 followers on Twitter where he interacts with fans.
His social media isn’t just about showing off—it’s strategic branding. Every post reinforces his position as a successful entrepreneur, every interaction with fans builds loyalty, and every behind-the-scenes glimpse of his businesses inspires the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
What Makes Abu Abel’s Story So Compelling?
You know what makes Abu Abel’s biography fascinating? It’s not just about the money or the fame. It’s about a guy who started as a church percussionist in Sagamu and ended up rubbing shoulders with entertainment elites across continents. It’s about someone who took a management degree and actually used it to build real, tangible businesses that employ people and create opportunities.
His story shows you don’t need to come from money or have connections to make it big. You need vision, timing, and the courage to take risks. When he invested in Junior Boy at a time when nobody knew the artist, that was a risk. When he decided to move operations to Dubai while maintaining his Nigerian base, that was calculated courage. When he diversified from music into real estate, that was strategic thinking.
Lessons from Abu Abel’s Journey
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or talent manager reading this Abu Abel biography, here are the key takeaways from his story:
First, education matters, but application matters more. That management degree gave him the framework, but he had to learn the music business, real estate, and international commerce through experience.
Second, relationships are everything. Notice how his career trajectory changed after working with Baba Ara? Notice how his network includes virtually every major indigenous artist in Nigeria? That’s not luck—that’s strategic relationship building.
Third, diversification protects wealth. Abu Abel didn’t put all his eggs in the music basket. When one sector faces challenges, his other businesses keep him stable.
Fourth, giving back isn’t optional if you want lasting legacy. His foundation and personal philanthropy ensure that even when the music stops and the properties are sold, people will remember how he helped others climb.
The Current Chapter: Where is Abu Abel Now?
As of 2025, Abu Abel continues to operate Obimzy Records and Obimzy Properties, splitting his time between Nigeria and Dubai. He remains active in discovering and promoting new talent while expanding his real estate portfolio. His social media presence keeps him connected to millions of fans and potential business partners.
At 53 years old, he’s in what many would call the prime of his business life—old enough to have wisdom and connections, young enough to take on new challenges and adapt to changing markets. The question isn’t whether he’ll remain successful; it’s what new ventures he’ll conquer next.
Final Thoughts: The Abu Abel Legacy
Writing this Abu Abel biography, one thing becomes crystal clear—this is a man who refused to be boxed into one category. Percussionist, talent manager, real estate mogul, philanthropist, international businessman—he’s all of these and more.
His journey from Sagamu to Dubai, from playing church drums to signing major artists, from managing talents to managing properties worth millions—it’s the kind of story that proves Nigerian entrepreneurship is alive and thriving. Whether you love his flashy lifestyle or question some of his methods, you can’t deny the impact he’s had on Nigeria’s entertainment industry and business landscape.
For young Nigerians looking for inspiration, Abu Abel’s story says this: Start where you are, use what you have, learn from mentors, take calculated risks, build genuine relationships, and never stop diversifying your income streams. Most importantly, remember where you came from and help others climb.
That’s the real Abu Abel biography—not just a tale of wealth and success, but a blueprint for building lasting impact in multiple industries while staying true to your roots.
