LIVING LEGENDS SERIES: Dr. ASU EKIYE: The Woekilemo Prophet, Crowned King of Niger Delta Praise
DR. ASU EKIYE: The Woekilemo Prophet, Crowned King of Niger Delta Praise
If you ever hear the heavens tremble with bass guitar and the ancestors dancing Azonto in the clouds, chances are that Asu Ekiye just entered the studio with his fedora, his smile, and a word from the Lord (and maybe from the sound engineer too).
Known across continents as the Prince of the Niger Delta, but known in Bayelsa as Our Son That Refused to Change His Dialect, Asu Ekiye didn’t just come to sing gospel—he came to make the heavens groove to Ijaw beats and tell the angels, “Adjust your key o, we are modulating to Ogoni minor!”
Genesis: In the Beginning Was a Guitar and a Cassette Tape
Asu Ekiye hails from Aleibiri in Bayelsa and Tuomo in Delta, making him one of the few living beings legally allowed to attend both Urhobo and Ijaw weddings without being asked to “pick a side.” Born in Sapele and raised by a soldier-father, he learned early that there are three things you don’t joke with in life: uniform, discipline, and the last meat in the pot.
They say he grew up moving from town to town like a gospel James Bond—except instead of guns, he carried a tambourine and a cassette of Panam Percy Paul. His education took him through Hussey College, Rivers State University, and several other institutions—though the real qualification came when he survived church choir rehearsals without fainting.
“Woekilemo!” And Other Things That Changed the Music Industry
Then came the year 2001, and boom!—the heavens opened, the drums rolled, and "Woekilemo" dropped like Holy Ghost fire on a diesel generator. That song did not just become a hit—it became an anthem, a movement, a ringtone, and the cause of many sore legs in praise sessions. Hospitals reportedly had to open a new wing for “dance-related ankle injuries” thanks to Asu Ekiye’s high-tempo ministrations.
From then on, he released albums like Back to Base, Na God, Seiyo, and Ebikamo, showing that he had enough musical ammo to power a revival and a family meeting at the same time.
International Diplomacy Through Shaking of Waist
Asu Ekiye did what our politicians couldn’t do—he united the Niger Delta through music. While the rest of Nigeria debated fuel subsidy, he was on stage with Don Moen and Kirk Franklin, teaching them that “Izon” is not a brand of phone, but a language of fire.
He sang with CeCe Winans, danced with Donnie McClurkin, and made Israel Houghton shout “Oghene do!” even though Houghton wasn’t entirely sure what he just said.
Awards? The Man Needs an Extra Shelf!
Let’s talk about trophies.
Asu has won:
- Best Gospel Artist in Africa (twice) from Channel O—because once wasn’t enough.
- Amen Awards, TOMA Awards, VIGOMA Awards, NDDC handshake, and even a side-eye of admiration from his village headmaster.
If award ceremonies gave rice and stew with every plaque, Asu Ekiye’s freezer would have fed three local governments by now.
Ambassador, Pastor, Professor, and Praise Machine
He isn’t just a singer. The man is also a public administrator, leadership coach, and Ambassador of the Ijaw Language—officially appointed by Governor Douye Diri in 2025. That means Asu Ekiye can now officially fine you for speaking bad Ijaw. Be warned!
And as President of the Fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers International, Europe (FOGMMIN), he doesn’t only lead songs; he leads people who lead songs—which, in Nigerian terms, makes him a General Overseer of Worship Commanders.
The Man Behind the Mic
Off-stage, Asu is husband to Kunemofa and father to Marvelous, Akpofeowei, Embeleakpor, and Princess Fagha. Yes, even his children’s names sound like prophetic declarations. In the Ekiye household, if you spill groundnut, you speak in tongues before cleaning it.
He is a loving father, a humble mentor, and a man whose wardrobe contains more stylish hats than a royal wedding.
Conclusion: A Living Legend That Dances With Heaven
If music is the food of the soul, Asu Ekiye is the Nkwobi and Pounded Yam of the gospel world—deliciously heavy, wonderfully satisfying, and capable of making you forget your problems for at least five minutes of divine praise.
We salute this musical general, our cultural diplomat, and the man who made “Woekilemo” an international prayer point. May his voice remain strong, his keyboard never malfunction, and may the angels continue to back up his vocals—whether live or on replay.
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