Introduction
Abu Abel, whose real name is Abel Egbarin, is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur, talent manager and music executive. He is the founder and CEO of OBIMZY Empire, a record label and talent agency. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Abu Abel’s biography including his early life, career journey, family life and net worth.
Early life and background
Abu Abel was born on November 8th, 1972 in Lagos, Nigeria. He hails from Ondo State in the Southwestern part of the country. Not much is known about his early childhood and family background. Some reports indicate that he was raised by his parents in a middle-class home in Lagos.
Abu Abel had a keen interest in entertainment from a young age. He loved music and was fascinated by the Nigerian entertainment scene. While in secondary school, he would organize small shows and events to showcase his passion. After completing his secondary education, Abu Abel studied Business Administration at the Lagos State University.
Career beginnings in event management
Abu Abel kickstarted his career in the late 1990s by venturing into event management and organizing concerts. Some of the big acts he promoted during this time included 2face Idibia, 9ice, Sound Sultan and Blackface. Through hard work and hustle, he gradually built a respected name for himself in the industry.
In the early 2000s, Abu Abel upscaled his ventures by establishing OBIMZY Empire. The record label and talent agency allowed him to properly develop and showcase new talents. One of the first artists he signed was Small Doctor, who went on to achieve mainstream success. Other early signees included Oluwa Is Real, Dj Chicken and Kogbagidi.
Rise to prominence in the 2010s
The 2010s turned out to be Abu Abel’s most successful decade yet. He consolidated his position as one of the top talent managers and record label owners in Nigeria. During this time, he consistently broke new acts and helped many established artists reach greater heights.
Some of the big names promoted and represented by Abu Abel in this period included Davido, Peruzzi, D’Banj, Olamide and Zlatan Ibile. His knack for spotting and nurturing promising talents was evident.
Abu Abel also organized some of the biggest and most talked about concerts in Nigeria during the 2010s. The OBIMZY Empire Festivals held in different cities became must-attend annual events. This further grew his influence and networking connections within the industry.
Present endeavors and successes
In recent years, Abu Abel has taken OBIMZY Empire to even greater heights. The label now boasts of a rich roster that includes Rema, DJ Chicken, Bella Shmurda and Mastah Pablo. He has successfully broken these new generation acts to mainstream popularity.
Aside from artist management and record label operations, Abu Abel has also expanded into other business ventures. He runs a thriving real estate company and has various commercial properties across Lagos.
The mega-talent manager also owns popular nightclubs and lounges in different cities. These include AB Lounge (Lagos), AB Club World (Abuja) and AB Club City (Port Harcourt). His business portfolio continues growing steadily.
Some other achievements of Abu Abel in recent times include receiving honorary doctorate degrees from two Nigerian universities. He was also awarded the NMVA Special recognition award in 2022 for his impact and contributions to the Nigerian music industry.
Personal life and family
Not much is known about Abu Abel’s family life as he has kept many personal details private over the years. It is reported that he got married in the late 1990s to his long-time partner. The couple are blessed with children but their exact number is not publicly documented.
Abu Abel is said to reside with his family in an affluent neighborhood in Lagos. He divides his time between the hustle and bustle of his businesses in the city and quality time with loved ones at home. The talented family man ensures a good work-life balance despite his busy schedule.
Net worth
Through decades of hard work, smart investments and successful ventures across different sectors, Abu Abel has amassed a sizable net worth. Current estimates put his total net worth between $10-15 million.
His various income streams include record label operations, artist management commissions, real estate portfolio earnings and returns from clubs/lounges. Abu Abel also earns marketing endorsement deals and sits on the boards of several companies.
Legacy and impact
Undoubtedly, Abu Abel has left an indelible mark in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. His contributions as a talent manager, record label owner and businessman are second to none. He has skillfully and consistently identified, nurtured and promoted some of the biggest music stars over the past 25 years.
Abu Abel has also fostered a conducive ecosystem of collaboration, networking and mentorship. This has allowed many creatives to thrive and positively impacted the Nigerian music space. His numerous achievements and legacy will continue to inspire upcoming generations. At 50 years old, the trailblazer still has more grounds to cover.
Conclusion
In summary, Abu Abel’s biography offers a rare glimpse into the inspiring journey of a self-made entertainment powerhouse. From humble beginnings to building an empire, his story is one of years of dedication, resilience and business acumen. Abu Abel remains focused on nurturing new talents while also expanding his investments. His impact in Afrobeats will surely be felt and discussed for decades to come.
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