In a powerful, emotional revelation that has struck a chord with Nigerians across generations, veteran galala singer Daddy Showkey has opened up about one of the darkest periods in his life — and the one man who stood by him when the rest of the world turned away.
Speaking during a live event where he shared the stage with Fuji legend Alabi Pasuma, Daddy Showkey — real name John Asiemo — publicly acknowledged Pasuma for a profound act of kindness many never knew about.
“This man fed my family for three years,” Showkey said, his voice laced with gratitude. “When I had an accident in 2007, I was in the hospital for years. Nobody came. Only Pasuma stood by me.”
Showkey’s accident in 2007 nearly cost him his life and career. As he struggled to recover, his absence from the limelight became painfully prolonged. But behind the scenes, another tragedy was unfolding: abandonment.
“I went to people I called friends. I knocked on their doors, hungry and broken. They told me they weren’t home — even while looking at me through their windows,” he recounted.
According to The Nation Newspaper, the galala pioneer said it wasn’t just rejection that hurt — it was betrayal by those he once called brothers.
While the industry watched in silence, Pasuma quietly stepped in. According to Showkey, the Fuji star consistently supported his family, ensuring they had food on the table while he lay hospitalised for nearly three years.
“Pasuma is my only true friend in this industry,” Showkey said. “I owe him more than words can express. When nobody else cared, he did.”
The revelation has gone viral, offering fans a rare glimpse into the real-life struggles behind the glamour of Nigeria’s entertainment industry — and the hidden heart of a man known more for his music than his compassion.
This isn’t Daddy Showkey’s first time standing for what he believes in. The veteran artist recently called off a performance in Minna, Niger State, in protest after Governor Mohammed Bago ordered the arrest of people wearing dreadlocks.
In response, Showkey questioned whether dreadlocks were responsible for Nigeria’s insecurity and urged the public to respect cultural identity. Following public backlash, the governor was forced to reverse the controversial directive.
Daddy Showkey’s deeply personal story is more than just a tribute to a friend. It’s a mirror held up to the entertainment industry — a reminder that when the lights fade and the crowds disappear, it’s not applause but true brotherhood that sustains lives.
