As it was in December 2020 when Davido lost Teejay (his aide of 11 years), these are incredibly dark times for the pop star, and a sad period for the entire 30 Billion Gang. Obama DMW, the popular road manager and founder of Obama Music Worldwide, is dead.
His death has attracted reactions from family, friends, and colleagues, who expressed sadness at the news of his passing. Obama DMW, born Habeeb Ademola Uthman, who was one of Davido’s bosom friends and associates, died in the late hours of Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
He reportedly died of heart failure at Evercare Hospital in the Lekki area of Lagos, where he was hospitalised after complaining of breathing difficulties. According to media reports, he drove himself to the hospital on Tuesday and died a few hours later. Netng has not independently confirmed this, and emails to the hospital have not been replied to.
Before his death, Obama DMW was the road manager of DMW, the record label owned by Davido which also has Mayorkun, Peruzzi and Dremo on its roaster.
Born and raised in Lagos, Obama DMW graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lagos State University, before moving to Canada. While in Canada, he co-founded a recorded label, Holla At Your Boy, with his friend, but it folded up after the death of his partner. In a bid to keep pushing his career, he joined Davido’s record label, Davido Music Worldwide as a road manager when he returned to Nigeria. He founded another record label, Obama Music Worldwide, in 2019.
In a 2018 interview with Business Day, he talked about how he had fallen in love with entertainment in his pursuit of greener pastures in Canada. Explaining that he knew his newfound love would be a challenge, he said, “It wasn’t easy at the early stage of my career. I actually don’t want to brag about being prepared for all the challenges coming my way, but I always make sure that before I attempt any move, I have it at the back of my mind that there would always be challenges. This has been my long-lasting secret of overcoming challenges. I know they will always come.”
Davido is yet to react to the report of Obama’s death. The music artiste who is very active on social media has not shared any posts in the last four days.
Prince Abdulmaleek Uthman, Obama DMW’s son, took to Instagram to share a heartbreaking tribute.
“Dad, I won’t immortalize you in the stars because they fade away. I won’t remember you with a poem, for it will be forgotten one day. I will just keep you safe in my heart so that you are with me in every way. I miss you.”
He added, “Dad, wait, why am I even saying, dad? You were my brother; you were my twinnie. We so much looked alike. You made me understand that I am a strong man. You taught me to be strong, but sorry I’m letting you down. I can never be strong enough to accept that you are no longer here. I miss you. Abdulmaleek loves you so so so so much. I have never been in pain like this before.”
A host of music artistes, including Tiwa Savage, Peruzzi, and the fast-rising Ayanfe, have paid tribute to Obama DMW.
Ayanfe, a fast-rising artiste signed by Obama DMW in 2020, took to Instagram to share how much pain Uthman’s death has brought him.
“I have never felt this type of pain”, he said.
Peruzzi expressed his grief with an emotive post on his Instagram page.
“You Had The Answers To All My Questions About Life. This One Hits Different. Love You Forever.”
Award-winning singer, Tiwa Savage who had a special friendship with the deceased, shared an emotional tribute calling him a brave and strong heart.
“I’ve never met anyone as brave/strong as you who was also as soft and kind as you. I don’t know why my cheesy jokes always made you laugh, you were ready to take a bullet for your loved ones. 44 my black president, you chilling now, resting well, away from this cruel world”.
She added, “This isn’t the end, that thing you and I always talked about. I promise I’ll do it and you will be proud. We are only burying your body today because your beautiful spirit can never be contained in that sand and don’t worry we got Abdulmaleek. He must finish university or imma whoop his behind. I love you, we love you, Habeeb.”
Davido’s Manager, Asa Asika also penned an emotional note, promising to take care of his son.
“During my life, I’ve lost many people, but this one I would never have imagined. You had the biggest heart and always let everyone know how you felt. Always ready to take one for the team and step up when needed. Over the last two years, I saw how much you evolved. Thank you for everything, the arguments, the jokes, the random late-night rocks me and you used to give them, the love you showed me, the advice, even the way you looked out for my sister… Rest In Peace, King. Abdulmaleek, we’ve got you, I promise. RIP Obama44.”
Obama becomes the sixth member of the group to die in the space of four years. Tagbo Umeike, Olugbenge Abiodun (DJ Olu), and Chime Amaechi died in 2017, while King Jhafi and Tijani Olamilekan died in 2020.
Obama DMW was laid to rest on June 30, 2021, at Epe in Lagos state, according to Islamic rites.
