Prince Adeoye John Badejo, whose stage name is Jerry Arabian, in an exclusive interview with Rtn. VICTOR OJELABI chronicled his journey from Nigeria to the USA as a Juju musician highlighting his passion for music and cultural adaptation while throwing in some interesting personal experience about the culture. Enjoy.
Can we meet you?
My name is Prince Adeoye John Badejo, a native of Ijebu Ife, in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, from the Badejo Oloyemarun dynasty family of the Jewo Olufe.
How did you come about your stage name, Jerry Arabian, and does the name influence your signature dressing, or does the dressing influence the name?
My late boss, Prince Bode Ogundimu Swing Pawpaw, of blessed memory, gave me the name. He didn’t want me to use the name “Swing Pawpaw Jnr” when things were going well, so he named me “Jerry Arabian” because of my look and skin colour.
This signature allows me to express my unique identity to the world. Over the years, people have recognised me by this appearance and embraced my style, routine, and kind of music.
Can you tell us about your childhood in Nigeria? What was it like growing up there?
I grew up in Mushin, Mainland, and Surulere areas. I attended Santa Maria Elementary School in Silver Street, Olorunsogo, Mushin.
After losing my dad at a tender age, I was re-admitted to Nigerian Model Nursery and Primary School, Idi-Oro, Mushin, before finally moving to Ladi-Lak Institute, Akinwunmi Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, where I completed my elementary school in 1984.
I was admitted to Saint Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, the same year and completed my SSCE/WAEC in 1991. I later attended Yaba College of Technology in 1992, graduating in 1998 with a degree in Science Laboratory Technology (SLT).
I grew up in Surulere, navigating through thick and thin.
How did your early environment influence your passion for Juju music?
I have always loved Juju music since childhood, with influences from King Sunny Ade (MFR), Rev. Ebenezer Fabiyi Obey Commander (MFR), and Sir Shina Peters, among others.
My love for Juju music is strong, and I strive to create my own style after being a fan of the Eko Supreme Band and the late Swing Pawpaw.
Were there any particular musicians or cultural influences in your early life that inspired you to pursue music?
Yes, King Sunny Ade (MFR), Rev. Ebenezer Fabiyi Obey Commander (MFR), Sir Shina Peters (GMJ), late Prince Bode Ogundimu Swing Pawpaw, Prince Adedayo Ojo Akere, and many more.
What motivated your move to the United States? Was it for your music career, or did other factors play a role?
The move was motivated by the desire for progress in music, reuniting with family, pursuing dreams and goals, and seeking personal safety.
How did you adapt to the cultural differences in the USA, especially coming from a rich Nigerian background?
I kept an open mind, looking beyond my roots and background.
I acknowledged the differences and engaged in local and community activities. I learned about US policies, practices, and rules, maintaining a supportive structure.
Upon adjusting my status, I realised that Nigerian titles like “Prince” or “King” would be renounced. Life goes on.
Did you face any challenges when you first arrived in the United States? How did you overcome them?
Yes, I faced challenges, but I overcame them with patience, understanding, and a positive attitude.
I worked under pressure to resolve problems and handled unexpected circumstances with grace. It takes time to create great things. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
How has your family supported your dual career as both a musician and a law enforcement officer?
They have been motivators, providing good support and backing.
How do you balance your responsibilities between your family life, your music career, and your work in law enforcement?
It has been God, determination, perseverance, hard work, and good support.
Has your family’s experience in the US influenced your music in any way?
Certainly.
What has your experience been like as a Juju musician in California? How have you been able to keep your music authentic in a different cultural setting?
Through uniqueness, determination, continuity, passion, consistency, persistence, love, hard work, and humility, I have remained relevant in all aspects of life in the States.
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How do American audiences respond to Juju music, and how does it differ from the response of African communities?
It’s challenging due to changes in the music industry, but I have remained relevant through social media and other platforms. It’s not easy, but God helps.
Have you collaborated with other musicians in the US, both African and non-African? If so, how has that shaped your music?
Yes, collaborating with others has improved me significantly and positively impacted the African community.
How do African communities in the US respond to your music?
Good acceptability, satisfaction, and approval.
Do they see it as a connection to their roots?
Absolutely.
What role does Juju music play in preserving African culture among the diaspora in the US?
Juju music plays a crucial role in preserving African culture.
What advice would you give to other African musicians who are trying to break into the music scene abroad?
Be patient, passionate, maintain professionalism, integrity, and set a standard with stability. Focus on being great!
What are your future plans for your music career?
I aim to reach a higher grade and become more famous.
Are there any upcoming projects we should look out for?
Yes, a bigger concert is coming soon, along with an album titled Future.
How do you see the future of Juju music evolving, both in Nigeria and abroad?
We need to be more proactive and maintain the originality of Juju music. We are already losing it. We pray for God’s help in the industry.
Do you have any plans to return to Nigeria to perform or to contribute to the music scene there?
Yes, very soon, with quality music and motivation from the USA, influenced by my roots.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
