Eniola Olorundare
Wherever people want to prove that there is ability in disability, his name and huge personality readily come to mind. He is that great fellow with sight disability who has, however, given light to the talents of many.
This is the instructive story of award-winning musician, record producer, songwriter and composer, Cobhams Asuquo. He is a major visually impaired personality quite notable for his impacts musically and in other spheres of life.
As inspiration to other ‘disabled’ folks everywhere, he recently noted on Instagram that he had quite a lot of things to say, but he was not sure of who was listening. He thus asked through a voice note if he should say it. A lot of responses followed as they wanted to hear what the favourite Cobhams had to say.
In his enviable musical journey, Cobhams has been featured by resounding artistes like Asa, Banky W., Bez, Omawumi, Shola Allyson, Waje and has likewise produced numerous award-winning songs for them.
His unique musical dexterity can be smelt in (His) songs like: Ordinary People – 2014, Star of Wonder – 2015, Do the Right Thing feat Bez – 2015, Stronger Than Before (by Morayo) – 2015, Boosit featuring Falz – 2016, The Other Room feat Ugovinna – 2016, One Hit – 2018, We Plenti – 2020.
Cobhams, a lover of vocals, piano and guitar, over the years has been able to garner local and international meritorious awards from both entertainment and political aqua; and he is an ambassador to several brands.
These include The Future Awards 2006 and 2009 (Producer of the Year), Hip-hop World Awards 2007 and 2008 (Producer of the Year), LEAP Africa Award 2007 for his Exemplary contributions in the Music Industry, Nigeria Music Awards (NMA) 2007 Producer of the decade, Nigerian Music Awards (NMA) 2008 for “Producer of the Decade,” One Gospel Awards for “Gospel Composer/ Writer of the Year” (2008), 2008 Partnership Awards for “supporting the Worship For Change Concert,” 2014 Headies for Best Recording of the Year on Ordinary People song.
Born on 6th January, 1981 in Jos, Plateau State, Cobhams went to King’s College, Lagos and he’s also an alumni of the University of Lagos. He married Ojuolape Veronica Olukanni in December 2010 and they are blessed with a son, David Asuquo.
He was appointed a National Ambassador for UNICEF Nigeria. This appointment made him UNICEF Nigeria’s first National Ambassador in 15 years. He had said, “It’s a huge honour to become a UNICEF Nigeria Ambassador,” “I am passionate about children’s rights, and I am passionate about Nigeria – and securing it’s future. The only way we can truly do that, is through ensuring every child can fulfill their potential.”
CNN Africa Voices featured Cobhams in a lengthy interview in December 2011.
Asuquo once performed with other renowned Nigerian artists at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (January 2014).
Some of his quotes are:
“Our children are perhaps our one big chance at getting it right. They are the light, the dream, the hope for tomorrow. Please let us be our best and give them our best.”
“I don’t think I spend a lot of my time thinking about how my life is different. I think I spend my time living my life, and making things work for me in whatever way I can, and work for other people with disabilities using my voice.”
