Complete biography of Abu Abel Egbarin – Nigerian talent manager, CEO of Obimzy Records & Properties. Learn about his net worth, career & achievements.
Abu Abel Egbarin, professionally known as Abu Abel, represents one of Nigeria’s most intriguing entrepreneurial success stories. As the founder and CEO of both Obimzy Records and Obimzy Properties, he has successfully built dual empires in the entertainment and real estate sectors. His journey from gospel percussionist to becoming one of Lagos’s most influential talent managers and property developers demonstrates the kind of versatility and business acumen that defines modern Nigerian entrepreneurship.
Born in Sagamu, Ogun State, Abu Abel has worked with some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars including Naira Marley, Olamide, Zlatan, and Reminisce, while simultaneously developing luxury properties across Lagos and London. What fascinates me about Abu’s story is how he seamlessly transitioned between industries, proving that success in one field can provide the platform for excellence in another.
Key Details Of Abu Abel Biography
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abu Abel Egbarin (Olaseni Johnson Egbarin) |
| Date of Birth | November 8, 1972 |
| Age | 52 years (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Delta State (Agbor) |
| Place of Birth | Sagamu, Ogun State |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Talent Manager, Real Estate Developer |
| Companies | Obimzy Records, Obimzy Properties Ltd |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million – $30 million |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | Two (a boy and a girl) |
| Education | B.Sc. Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University |
| Religion | Christianity (Celestial Church) |
Early Life and Background
Abu Abel Egbarin was born on November 8, 1972, in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, though he originally hails from Agbor in Delta State. Growing up in Sagamu placed him at the intersection of Yoruba culture and his Ika ethnic heritage from Delta State, giving him a unique cultural perspective that would later inform his business relationships across different Nigerian communities.
He was raised in a Christian home and grew up attending the Celestial Church of Christ, where he developed an early interest in music. The church environment, rich with spiritual music and percussion, would prove instrumental in shaping his future career in the entertainment industry. His childhood in Sagamu, a commercial town known for its entrepreneurial spirit, exposed him early to business and trade.
The values instilled during his formative years—discipline, hard work, and the importance of relationships—became the foundation upon which he would build his business empire. Unlike many children from privileged backgrounds, Abu had to work for every opportunity, developing the resilience that would later define his entrepreneurial journey.
Education and Academic Journey
Abu Abel attended Army Children School in Sagamu for his primary education, followed by Sonyindo Community High School for his secondary education. These formative years in Sagamu provided him with a solid educational foundation while keeping him grounded in the realities of everyday Nigerian life.
He furthered his education at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management. His choice to study Management proved prescient, as it equipped him with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to manage both a record label and a real estate company simultaneously.
During his university years, Abu began building the network of relationships that would later prove invaluable in his business ventures. His education wasn’t just about classroom learning; it was about understanding human psychology, business dynamics, and the art of negotiation—skills that would serve him well in both the volatile music industry and the competitive real estate market.
Career Journey and Major Achievements
Musical Beginnings: The Gospel Foundation
Abu Abel’s entry into the music industry began as a percussionist under the mentorship of the late Evangelist Roland Olubukola Olomola, popularly known as Baba Ara, a legendary gospel musician. This apprenticeship under Baba Ara taught him not just musical skills, but the importance of mentorship, discipline, and creative excellence.
His experience in gospel music gave him a deep appreciation for talent development and the business side of music production. He learned that success in the music industry required more than just talent; it demanded strategic thinking, financial investment, and, most importantly, genuine relationships with artists.
Founding Obimzy Records
In 2010, Abu Abel officially established Obimzy Records with the vision of discovering and nurturing young Nigerian talents. His first major success came with the signing of Junior Boy, whose hit single “Irapada” featuring 9ice became a massive success in Nigeria’s music scene. This breakthrough established Obimzy Records as a serious player in the industry.
What set Abu apart from other talent managers was his hands-on approach and willingness to invest not just money, but time and genuine care into his artists’ careers. He understood that in Nigeria’s competitive music industry, relationships mattered as much as contracts.
Working with Nigeria’s Music Elite
Over the years, Abu Abel has worked with and supported some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars including Naira Marley, Olamide, Reminisce, Zlatan Ibile, Small Doctor, Slimcase, 9ice, Terry G, Oritsefemi, and many others. His ability to maintain cordial relationships with multiple top-tier artists speaks to his diplomatic skills and industry respect.
His influence in the music industry extended beyond just managing artists. He became a connector, a facilitator, and a respected figure who could open doors and create opportunities. Many artists credit Abu with giving them crucial support during pivotal moments in their careers.
Expansion into Real Estate: Obimzy Properties
Parallel to his music career, Abu Abel founded Obimzy Properties, a luxury real estate company focused on developing high-end residential properties. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering quality homes in premium Lagos locations including Lekki, Ajah, and Lagos Island.
What’s remarkable about Obimzy Properties is its international reach. The company has expanded beyond Nigeria with properties in London’s Queen’s Land, demonstrating Abu’s ambition to build a truly pan-African and global real estate brand. His real estate portfolio targets high-net-worth individuals, including celebrities and business moguls who demand luxury and exclusivity.
Abu’s success in real estate stems from his ability to identify prime locations before they become saturated and his commitment to quality construction. He understood that in Nigeria’s emerging middle and upper class, there was a massive demand for well-built, luxurious homes in secure environments.
Philanthropy: Obimzy Foundation
Beyond his business ventures, Abu Abel established the Obimzy Foundation, a charitable organization focused on supporting underprivileged Nigerians. The foundation has distributed food and financial aid to vulnerable communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides scholarships to deserving students.
His philanthropic work reflects a growing trend among successful Nigerian entrepreneurs who recognize their responsibility to give back to the communities that supported their rise.
Personal Life and Family
Abu Abel is married, though he maintains a highly private personal life. He is the father of two children—a boy and a girl—but has chosen not to publicly disclose the identity of his wife or provide details about his family life. This privacy is intentional, as he seeks to protect his loved ones from the public scrutiny that often comes with celebrity status.
He divides his time between Lagos, where most of his business operations are based, and international locations including Dubai and London, where he owns luxury properties. His lifestyle reflects his success, with a collection of exotic cars and properties that demonstrate his wealth.
Despite his wealth and status, those who know Abu describe him as approachable and grounded, someone who hasn’t forgotten his roots or the struggles that shaped him. His Christian faith remains important to him, and he continues to attend Celestial Church services.
Awards, Honors, and Recognitions
While Abu Abel has not actively sought public awards or recognitions, his achievements speak for themselves:
- Music Industry Impact: Recognized as one of Nigeria’s most influential talent managers, credited with supporting the careers of numerous A-list artists
- Community Honor: In 2021, he was conferred with the traditional title of “Aare Borokini” in an Ogun State community, recognizing his contributions to community development
- Business Success: Built two successful companies in different industries, demonstrating rare entrepreneurial versatility
- Philanthropy: His Obimzy Foundation has touched thousands of lives through scholarships and aid programs
Contributions to Society and Legacy
Abu Abel’s greatest contribution to Nigerian society has been his role in talent development. By providing financial backing, industry connections, and mentorship to emerging artists, he has helped shape the sound and success of contemporary Nigerian music. Many artists who worked with him credit his support as crucial to their breakthroughs.
In the real estate sector, Obimzy Properties has contributed to raising standards for luxury housing in Nigeria. By delivering quality properties with modern amenities and secure environments, the company has shown that Nigerian developers can compete with international standards.
Through the Obimzy Foundation, Abu has addressed social inequality by providing educational opportunities and emergency support to vulnerable Nigerians, demonstrating that business success carries social responsibility.
Controversies and Challenges
Abu Abel’s career has not been without controversy. In 2023, he was involved in a widely publicized incident with entertainer DJ Chicken, which went viral on social media and drew criticism from various quarters.
More significantly, in July 2025, Abu was arrested by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) at Alagbon, Lagos, over allegations of land fraud involving a transaction worth approximately ₦447 million with Doyin Investment Group. The case involves allegations of misrepresentation of land ownership for three plots in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos. As of this writing, the legal proceedings are ongoing, and Abu Abel is expected to be arraigned on charges including obtaining money under false pretense and criminal breach of trust.
Additionally, in August 2025, unverified allegations circulated on social media involving claims made by content creator VeryDarkMan regarding actress Iyabo Ojo’s statements about Abu Abel. These remain unsubstantiated claims with no police complaints or mainstream press investigations to corroborate them.
It’s important to note that in Nigeria’s legal system, accusations do not equal guilt, and everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. These controversies highlight the complex challenges facing high-profile entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s often informal business environment.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Abu Abel’s net worth is estimated between $10 million and $30 million as of 2025, making him one of Nigeria’s wealthiest talent managers and real estate developers. His wealth comes from diversified sources:
| Income Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Obimzy Records | Revenue from artist management, production deals, and entertainment events |
| Obimzy Properties | Income from property sales and development in Lagos and London |
| Real Estate Portfolio | Personal properties in Lagos, Dubai, and London |
| Investment Holdings | Reported investments in oil and gas sector |
| Obimzy Lounge | Luxury club and restaurant operations in Dubai |
His collection of exotic cars and multiple properties across continents demonstrates the substantial wealth he has accumulated through decades of business success.
Influence, Impact, and Legacy
Abu Abel’s influence extends beyond his immediate business ventures. He represents a generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs who succeeded by identifying gaps in multiple markets and filling them with innovative solutions. His ability to operate successfully in both entertainment and real estate demonstrates the kind of versatility that modern business demands.
In the music industry, his legacy will be the careers he helped build and the standard of artist support he established. Many young talent managers in Nigeria look to his model of combining financial investment with genuine mentorship as the gold standard.
In real estate, his push for international-standard properties has contributed to raising expectations and standards across Nigeria’s luxury property market. By expanding to London, he has shown that Nigerian real estate companies can compete globally.
Interesting Facts and Lesser-Known Details
- Gospel Music Roots: Abu started his career as a gospel percussionist, not as a talent manager
- Cultural Bridge: Though from Delta State, he grew up in Ogun State and speaks fluent Yoruba
- Traditional Title: He holds the traditional title of “Aare Borokini” from an Ogun community
- International Operations: Owns properties in three countries—Nigeria, UAE, and UK
- Celestial Church Member: Remains actively involved in the Celestial Church of Christ
- Height: Stands at an impressive 6 feet 3 inches tall
- Social Media Influence: Has over 450,000 followers on Instagram
- Name Variations: Known by multiple names including Abu Abel, Abel Egbarin, and Olaseni Johnson
- Multi-Industry Success: One of few Nigerians successfully managing businesses in entertainment, real estate, and hospitality
- Scholarship Provider: His foundation has sponsored numerous students through university education.
Conclusion
Abu Abel Egbarin’s journey from a gospel percussionist in Sagamu to becoming a multi-millionaire entrepreneur with businesses spanning entertainment and real estate is a compelling narrative of vision, persistence, and strategic thinking. His ability to identify opportunities in different sectors and execute successfully in both speaks to rare entrepreneurial versatility.
What makes his story particularly valuable for aspiring entrepreneurs is not just the wealth he has accumulated, but the relationships he has built, the talent he has nurtured, and the standards he has helped establish in both the music and real estate industries. His commitment to philanthropy through the Obimzy Foundation shows that he understands success is not just about personal achievement but about lifting others.
While recent legal challenges have brought complexity to his narrative, they also highlight the risks and responsibilities that come with operating at the highest levels of Nigerian business. As these matters proceed through the legal system, they serve as reminders that success requires not just ambition and skill, but also integrity and adherence to proper business practices.
Abu Abel’s legacy, still being written, will ultimately be measured not just in properties built or artists managed, but in the broader impact he has had on Nigeria’s creative and business landscapes. For a generation of young Nigerians watching his journey, he represents both the possibilities and responsibilities that come with entrepreneurial success.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Abu Abel?
Abu Abel Egbarin is a Nigerian entrepreneur, talent manager, and real estate developer. He is the founder and CEO of Obimzy Records and Obimzy Properties, known for working with top Nigerian artists and developing luxury properties in Lagos and London.
2. What is Abu Abel known for?
Abu Abel is known for managing the careers of prominent Nigerian musicians including Naira Marley, Olamide, Zlatan, and Reminisce through his record label Obimzy Records. He’s also recognized as a successful real estate developer with high-end properties across Nigeria and the UK.
3. How much is Abu Abel worth?
Abu Abel’s net worth is estimated between $10 million and $30 million as of 2025, derived from his music management business, real estate developments, and other investments.
4. Is Abu Abel married?
Yes, Abu Abel is married and has two children (a boy and a girl), though he maintains strict privacy about his family life and has not publicly disclosed his wife’s identity.
5. Where is Abu Abel from?
Abu Abel originally hails from Agbor in Delta State, Nigeria, but was born and raised in Sagamu, Ogun State, where he spent his formative years before establishing his businesses primarily in Lagos.
Leave a Reply