By Akpokona Omafuire

KESIENA Okpan Arhibo a.k.a Shuun Bebe has become a household name in Delta State musical scene with his fusion of pidgin English and Urhobo language. His hit track ‘Enaiso’ is so captivating and popular, that it is sung at all marriage ceremonies across and beyond the state.

The upcoming musical exponent from the scion of the Urhobo foremost music icon, Chief Okpan Arhibo, the King of Catch Fire credits his foray into the lucrative musical industry, his dream and forthcoming projects to his father and mother, who gave him the requisite encouragement.

The Law student turned musician said his name Shuun Bebe was extracted from the name Sean and Bebe was derived from the word Baby.

According to him, “I have always wanted to be a  musician like my father. I registered into the Delta State University, Oleh Campus to study Law, but I discovered my whole life and interest is in music; So I decided to create a different pattern of music to stand out. I actually followed my father’s steps and copied his style but I felt singing in Urhobo will help  me identify with my people and blending it with a mix of English will make it more significant beyond Delta areas. For me, if Yoruba and Igbo music are being appreciated everywhere, then Urhobo music can also be accepted. That is the brand I’m selling as a musician.

“I actually started music when I was 14. I later joined a musical group called “Street Disciples” when I was 20, I ditched my academic career and later got a musical contract with 2 Runz Concept. I’m now working under a new label Moxie Entertainment with a co-management deal  with Warri Boy Xclusive. I just dropped my third album titled”Corrupt File” and it’s doing well in the market.

He added, “The title of this music is informed by the focus and message I wish to pass across to my audience. In music, you pass a message through your style. ‘Corrupt File’ happens to be my third album after my debut album “Like Father Like Son” and ‘Inspira Shuun”. The album title ‘Corrupt File” draws the attention of the public to the high moral corruption in our society today, thereby sending a message to the public through the songs in the album.”

Shuun Bebe dreams of collaborating with top musicians soon, hear him, “I am working on a new work with Timaya which will drop by the end of the year. I am also working on the possibility of collaborations with Phyno, Vector and Oritsefemi.

“I got over nine nominations in 2013 and I won seven. Some of the awards include Next Rated Artiste of the Year Award 2013 (Peace Legend Awards); Best Upcoming Artiste of the Year 2013 (Niger Delta Awards in Benin City, Edo State), Revelation of the Year, and Fasting of the Year 2013 among others.”