Obus Bezalee Brodoh is a multi-talented artiste whose originality cuts across music, comedy, voice-overs, wardrobe, motivational speaking, entertainment  and professional freelance modeling. He started singing at an embryonic age of six and eventually attained maturity and leadership.

He became the leader of defunct D.C ENVOYS, a sensational and impact music-comedy group, which started in Warri, Delta State. In this interview with FLORENCE AMAGIYA, he talks about the future and his forthcoming talents hunt show known as ‘ Take the Stand.’

Enjoy!

How did it start and when did you know you are multi- talented?

I was only six years old when I had this dream and in the dream, I was singing along Ogborikoko road in Warri, Delta state. In the dream, I was heading towards NNPC housing estate and I was singing with one Reverend Marvin Winans of the Winans family of United States and Jamie Cleveland. It came to pass in my 20s. I sang with Marvin like I dreamt as a child. I had to serve in the capacity of a pastor before moving down to Lagos where I hibernated for some period. I did my unveiling at the Terra Culture three years ago. After then, I delved into serious comedy  alongside music. Music actually runs in my family.

Tell us about the journey so far?

It’s been beautiful  with God’s favour and I have put together an unimaginable musical and comedy albums which are currently under promotion. I have songs that are not yet out, songs like You Dey Reign which video is currently being promoted; Love Doesn’t Run Away featuring Christine Ben-Ameh currently enjoying massive radio reviews. I have also been doing lots of miming and comedy shows around the country. Early this year, I had the desire to create a platform where talents can be discovered, developed and displayed . Our major drive is to get gifted people utilize their God given talents appropriately and not lose core values out of desperation. Lack of adherence to core values could be disastrous. This platform is called Take the Stand for comedians, singers and dancers. It is done in collaboration with CT Club Nigeria.

What are the challenges?

The challenges have been both spiritual and physical. The major challenge is finance. It pains me to see highly talented young ones faced with challenges that are easily surmountable.The second challenge is passion and compassion. Kingdom issues always have weak financial support. Bridging the corporate and Kingdom issues is herculean but it is one of our missions in CTC Nigeria. There is need to install motivational drive for persistency in these talents and dreams.

Tell us about the group D.C Envoys, how was it formed?

D.C Envoys was formed from God’s desire to heal humanity through laughter and beautiful songs spiced in humour. You can call it a music-comedy group. We were discovered and nurtured by Pastor Leon and his wife who housed us for nine years. This couple was at Word of Life Bible Church in Warri pastored by the current PFN/CAN President, Papa Ayo Oritshejafor.  I led DC Envoys for 16 whole years and I learnt that a sweet song is like honey and bee.

We don’t see the D.C Envoys together any more, has the group split?

I will finally open up to tell you no and yes. Yes,because we no longer sing together and this is because our views about life and purpose tend to be miles apart.

I believe purpose preceeds direction. A man’s action also reflects his essence in life. We are what we are solely by God’s grace.

Brodoh

What is your relationship with Gordon, the comedian ?

Gordon and I seldom meet because of the nature of our works and responsibilities but I believe it is so when folks are grown up and working apart.

How did you manage your multi- talents in D.C Envoys?

My role in the group like I said before is basically  that of a leader. My vision was to harmonize the team, interpret our roles and synergize our performances.  Team work was my dream and still is.

What grudge did your group have with Sam Okposo back then?

The grudge between Sammie Okposo and D.C. Envoys has been resolved. Personally, I believe God had a plan and He works with willing and ready hands. Sammie Okposo remains a great personality working for God and there is nothing anybody can do about it. We are all answerable to God.

How did you resolve it?

Concerning the issue with Sammie Okposo, I personally had a dream where I was led to a flowing stream with a bucket in hand. I fetched water and started back home but suddenly, I heard a voice that said ‘look back, what did you see?’ I looked and answered, ‘a flowing water’. The voice said, ‘that is what I have left in you.’From that moment, my heart left the issue of Sammie Okposo. That was how I personally let the matter drop.

Secular music is seen to be trendy in the entertainment world, what is your opinion?

Yes, it’s trendy but we carry significantly the kingdom mandate. Only kingdom entertainment practices leave a person with indepth satisfaction and fulfillment. Secular entertainment creates temporal gratification. Many have been seen trying to become relevant to humanity and God at the wee hours of their lives but ask yourself  what you did with your gift because the soul of any man comes and goes back to the Creator whether you like it or not!

Do you think you would branch into secular music like your peers?

NEVER! Not even in death. My all belongs to God. I am what I am sorely by the grace of God!

You are also a designer; tell us about your designs and how you came into designing?

My mother was a tailor and my spiritual grand father; Papa Ayo Oritsejafor is a man of excellent dress sense. I drank a lot from them in the course of being around them and learning to design in the process.

Have you had an opportunity to design for the high and mighty?

In my early years, I started with designing suits and I was patronized by few folks in Warri, Lagos and Abuja. Some guys in government House, Asaba and Port Harcourt also patronised me. But now, I major in defining our native attires in contemporary languages that reflect modesty and class.

What did you study back at school?

I studied Geography in Delta state University, Abraka campus.

 You have added acting and comedy into your already tight portfolio, how do you intend to cope?

It is just who I am. I am christened Bezalee because God deposited in me a lot of talents. I am indeed endowed with God’s blessings. God would not give you what He does not want you to do .

We learnt that you were a pastor

I am still a minister of the gospel of Christ. I am a unique and rare breed! I am a Kingdom Entertainment personality and this defines my actions and dimensions of exhibitions.

What should Nigerians expect from you in the nearest future?

The best of me and the revolution of the Nigerian kingdom entertainment as the parent group of KMF.  We are making Christian entertainment practice a dominant culture.

What is the biggest challenge you have ever encountered?

Losing the dearest one I ever had! My mother! And having an appendix ruptured that almost changed my destiny. It made me vulnerable to the frailty of my nature as an emotional creature, but thank GOD, He saw me through it all!

Tell us about your childhood?

I grew up in Ughelli and Warri both  in Delta State. I grew up around my family and the church. I am from Oteri in Ughelli north local government area in Delta state. I grew up learning how to cope with tough times  and with divine intervention.

I enjoyed the formative era of my life. I was made president of Word of Life Bible Church, Campus Fellowship (WLBC).That position made me understand the complexity of human beings and the reassuring grace of God!

What advice do you have for the youths today?

Never say never!  Dreams are possible!