For many musicians who came through Ajegunle, the name John Aigbokhan Oboh may bring back memories of a man who saw possibilities where others saw limitations.
Known popularly as Mighty Mouse, Oboh was not only a musician and producer but also a mentor, teacher, innovator and benefactor whose influence helped shape the sound and careers of many young artistes.
His contribution to Nigerian music came alive again on Saturday, August 29, 2026, when Kakofoni Art Foundation, JOM Charity & Johfrim
Presents
Mighty Mouse Legacy concert musicians, producers, creatives, family members and members of the Ajegunle music community gathered in ajegunle, Lagos for the maiden Mighty Mouse Legacy Concert.
The celebration was organised to honour the late musician, who died on September 18, 2023, at the age of 56 after battling cancer. For the organisers, the gathering was more than a remembrance. It was an opportunity to celebrate a man whose dream helped give Ajegunle a distinct musical identity.
One of the organisers, Ehiguese Daddy Hyde, captured the spirit of the event when he said: “We are not only celebrating the man who created a sound. We are celebrating the man who created opportunities for people.”
Mighty Mouse was widely described as the pioneer and father of Ajegunle Music, a sound that emerged in the early 1990s and blended African rhythms, Edo Esan samba, reggae, jazz and local percussion.
The organisers recalled that Mighty Mouse understood that talent did not always come with money. Young musicians, producers, engineers and aspiring artistes who could not afford professional studio sessions were often given opportunities to record, learn and develop their abilities.
That generosity became one of the most enduring parts of his legacy.
From the creative environment around Jahoha Studio emerged artistes associated with the rise of the Ajegunle sound, including Daddy Showkey, Daddy Fresh, Baba Fryo and Marvellous Benji, among others. His work also extended to other artistes, including African China.
But beyond the names that eventually became famous, those who knew Mighty Mouse remember the doors he opened for people who were still searching for their voices.
For Bright John Odede, popularly known as Sir Boj, chairman of the PMAN Ajegunle Chapter and one of the coordinators of the concert, keeping Mighty Mouse’s dream alive is now a responsibility.
Odede described him as a freedom fighter and innovator who used music to challenge injustice and bring people together. He urged young musicians to remain focused, consistent, patient and dedicated to their dreams.
Mighty Mouse’s wife, dancehall artiste Chinyere Oboh, known as Lady Sege, also urged Ajegunle musicians to keep the fire burning.
She described her late husband as a good producer who was committed to helping artistes grow and noted that many musicians had passed through his studio.
Friday Obianu, popularly known as Prof Linkin, whose hit song I Don Jogodo enjoyed widespread popularity in the early 2000s, recalled his relationship with the late producer with gratitude.
Obianu said Mighty Mouse mastered his hit song Jogodo and described him as a man who was always willing to help artistes. According to him, musicians without money to book studio sessions could approach Oboh and still get their ideas transformed into songs.
“He created an opportunity for upcoming musicians to continue with their music,” Obianu said, adding that without Mighty Mouse, many young artistes would not have had the opportunity to enter the studio and develop their music.
Veteran musician Friday Igwe, popularly known as Baba Fryo, also remembered Mighty Mouse as a hardworking and revolutionary figure.
Baba Fryo said Oboh had many artistes around him and helped bring producers into Ajegunle. He also recalled how the late musician used his music to speak about oppression and social issues.
“Anytime, I remember him, it comes to my mind that we have missed a great man,” he said.
For the organisers, preserving his memory also means preserving the story of Ajegunle Music itself. They called on musicians, producers, historians, cultural institutions, government, the media and the entertainment industry to document Oboh’s contribution to Nigerian music.
Nearly three years after his death, the tribute showed that Mighty Mouse’s influence has not disappeared.
His songs may belong to another era, but the opportunities he created continue through the musicians he mentored, the sounds he helped develop and the generations inspired by his belief that a musical movement could rise from Ajegunle and reach the world.
As the organisers put it, “AJ Music has a history. AJ Music has a father. AJ Music has a legacy.”
And for those who knew him, Mighty Mouse may be gone, but his beat is still playing.
