The music icon made the clarification during an interview on Arise TV ahead of his 57th birthday on August 4, noting that the celebration reflects his entire journey as an entertainer and not just the years he has spent as a recording artiste.
According to Daddy Showkey, his career began long before he became a household name in the Nigerian music industry. He recalled starting out as a child acrobat before transitioning to television, where he featured in several productions, including the iconic television drama Village Headmaster.
The veteran entertainer also credited renowned actor Adejumo Lewis for discovering him in Ajegunle, describing the opportunity as a defining moment that helped launch his career in the entertainment industry.
Explaining the significance of the milestone, Daddy Showkey said:
“I started appearing on television in 1976. I was on Bar Beach Show, then I went on to feature in other shows, and I was just six years old. It surprises me when people ask how old I am because I’m celebrating 50 years on stage.
“I will only encourage parents to discover their children’s talents and document their journey. I started as an acrobat. I’m not just celebrating Daddy Showkey the musician, but Daddy Showkey as an entertainer.
“Some of the people who discovered me back then are still alive. I was part of ‘Village Headmaster’. It was Adejumo Lewis who discovered me in Ajegunle. I started when I was six, and I’ll be 56 soon. I call myself a child star, and I appreciate my mother for that.”
Daddy Showkey said his journey underscores the importance of identifying and nurturing children's talents from an early age, urging parents to support and properly document their children's growth in whichever field they show promise.
Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the Galala music movement, Daddy Showkey rose to prominence in the 1990s with a string of hit songs inspired by life in Lagos' Ajegunle community. His music and energetic performances helped shape Nigeria's contemporary street-pop culture, earning him lasting recognition as one of the country's influential entertainers.