Behind every successful man, they say, is a woman. And for popular musician, John Odafe Asiemo, aka Daddy Showkey of the Dyna fame, it is Sandra Ebere Asiemo. Mrs. Asiemo, a mother of four, runs Sandray Clothings in Ojodu, Lagos. She chatted with JENNIFER ORJI on the secret of her fruitful and beautiful marriage and more…
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Mrs. Sandra Ebere Asiemo. I am Daddy Showkey’s wife. I am from Oboro local government area of Abia State.
Tell us more about your background.
Growing up was okay. I am the first of six children. My dad was well to do because we had our three square meals a day and he was able to provide for us throughout our schooling days, from primary to secondary and up to higher institution, before I got married.
How did you meet your husband?
I met my husband through my cousin, Daddy Fresh, when I went to spend holiday in their place. That was in 1992/1993. Let me be specific, 1993. That was when we met.
How does it feel to be married to a celebrity like Daddy Showkey?
Wow! I don’t know how to express it, but it’s wonderful because of the kind of person he is. Being a celebrity is not the main issue; it’s the man behind the celebrity. You could be married to some celebrities, maybe in their homes, the responsibilities they ought to cover, they don’t do that. My husband’s issue is different. He meets his obligations. He is caring and he is a wonderful man.
What has kept your marriage going?
First, I will give glory to God because without Him nothing will be possible. If you have God in your life, there is nothing you lay your hands upon that will not be prosperous. I won’t say I am a perfect wife, or my husband is a perfect being. It is just understanding that has kept us together. When you understand each other, in marriage or in a relationship; when you are able to relate with each other; you know there are some issues that can cause quarrel. But when you relate and talk to each other, you can sort it out. That is one thing about marriage. Nobody is perfect; it’s just both of you. It is the understanding of both partners will make the marriage last.
When was your happiest moment?
My happiest moment was the day I gave birth to my son, Raymond. That is my first son.
How do you separate John Odafe Asiemo from Daddy Showkey?
I can’t separate it because it’s still the same person. Daddy Showkey is his stage name while John Odafe Asiemo is the man I married. When he is on stage, he is Daddy Showkey, when at home, he is always himself.
What is his favourite food?
Banga soup and starch or garri.
What else does he do aside from music?
He is into other businesses.
You are an entrepreneur, what kind of business are you into?
I sell hair products and I also sell clothes. I import. I do wholesale. That is basically what I do.
What are the challenges so far?
It’s been tough, but there is no way you will find a tough situation that you will not have a solution for it.
What are those things you wish for that you are yet to achieve?
I want to own my own fashion label. That’s one of my dreams.
Do you have a role model?
Yes, I have a role model – Opral Winfrey.
Which of your children is interested in becoming a musician?
All of them can sing, but for now, I can’t really say. My first son, Raymond produces. He sings, he can also rap. The younger one too, Cindy, can sing, but she’s shy. Maybe with time, she will get used to it.
How have you been supporting them?
I support them in every way I can, but their dad insists that none of them will venture into music without having their certificates with them. They must finish their secondary school and also university before they can venture into music.
Tell us two reasons why you love Nigeria.
One, because Nigeria is my country and it’s been good to me. We are still growing, but we will get there one day. Everybody finds comfort in travelling abroad, going to different countries. But if we join hands together, we can make this country to be like London one day or USA. We will get there one day.
Where do you see yourself in five years to come?
Maybe I will try politics (Laughs). I will go into politics. Maybe, I said.