In the vibrant heart of Oyo State, Nigeria, the soulful beats of diverse music genres filled the home of Ayobami Charles Akinjero, better known to fans as “Daddy Jiggy.”
It was there, amidst the rhythm and melodies curated by his father’s HiFi Sanyo Electronics set, that Akinjero’s deep-rooted passion for music was born.
“My dad was my initial inspiration,” he recalls, a nostalgic smile spreading across his face. “He played everything—from Nigerian legends like Ebenezer Obey and Fela Kuti to international icons like Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley. I soaked it all in.”
Daddy Jiggy’s musical journey began in earnest during his teenage years. Equipped with a Sony Walkman and a heart full of tunes, he serenaded friends with songs by Tevin Campbell and rapped along to Kris Kross’s “Totally Krossed Out.” This passion for rap evolved, and by the early ’90s, he had formed a rap group with three friends, performing at events across Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo states.
However, music was not his only calling. Akinjero pursued a Bachelors of Technology in Physics & Electronics from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). His academic background provided a unique lens through which he viewed and created music, allowing him to blend technical expertise with artistic creativity.
Today, Daddy Jiggy describes his musical style as “Afro Pop Jazz,” a genre he meticulously crafts from start to finish. “My music is a fusion of Nigerian and African genres like high life, afrobeat, and fuji with international sounds such as rap, hip hop, and reggae,” he explains. His compositions are a rich tapestry of live acoustic and electric instruments mixed with modern African electronic rhythms. “I love using various Jazz guitars in my compositions. It reminds me of the African music I grew up with and inspires me to express my musical ingenuity.”
Looking ahead, Daddy Jiggy remains guided by his faith. “I always put my next steps into the hands of God,” he says. “Everything I have achieved in my music career has been through the grace that God has given me.” Currently, he is promoting his latest album, “African Royalty,” and planning a world tour.
Daddy Jiggy’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his ventures outside music as well. He co-founded Paradise Studios with two business partners to promote his music and support other artists marginalized by the mainstream industry. Additionally, he invests in real estate, digital music technologies, and emerging information technologies.
With “African Royalty” making waves and a world tour on the horizon, Daddy Jiggy is poised to share his unique Afro Pop Jazz with a global audience, staying true to his roots and the diverse musical influences that shaped him.