Sailing with the Paddle

On the musical symbols bore the notes of his debut, armoured by the ingenuity of an exceptional natural gift ... 1991, a prime in his own numbered Smooth dynasty that bred the discography of an amazing career. A dare say, a legendary plus to the competitive and complex highlife genres where masters are tutored even by the wannabes. Young Choppers superceded a mere debut album, not just a walk into stardom but an indestructible footprint of the paddle begged by numerous canoes to navigate them in the musical voyage. Chief , now barristered in the proverbial seikeme tangbei bou fa can indisputably stand as the great iroko loved by fans , dared by enemies within Egbema, Ogbe-ijor and Enekorogha, beyond Abayasa forest and Nigeria. The Paddle has an international repute , jumping over the borders of Africa! Chief.Barrister.S .Smooth, an unwavering niche with the ambassadorial prowess of modern Owigiri has his name embodied in the struggle against discrimination, marginalization, oppression, deprivation and environmental degradation of the Niger Delta people, particularly his own Ijaw people, the worst hit ethnic nationality by the parochial successive Nigerian governments, veiled and unveiled by khakis and agbadas. Smooth, so smoothly, joined the struggle for freedom by voice and actions, without fear stood on the side of the people, rhymed inspiring songs to decry the excessiveness and recklessness of our political leaders , traditionally programmed to syphon public funds. Amongst his discography, breaths a platinum collection of evergreens, ranging from his 1997 hit track " Freedom" to Freedom is Our Goal, the dockyard to other hits that harboured his exceptional musical history. The paddle's musical harbour successfully anchored songs upon songs , igniting glamorous Owigiri performances even in peculiar circumstances. A symbol of the Young Choppers Band that has today, metamorphosed into Smooth Musical Organization , a first in stage performances adorned with tantalizing vixens . My pen is not promiscuous, however it gets seduced for once by the humpy bumpy backsides of the choreographic dancers the Smooth Musical Organization commands. A trend , copied by every band around the Niger Delta . Aside the bum bums , the gyrations and possessive spirits of Owigiri, the alcoholic fortifications to dare the overnights, come great morals from the rhythms of his songs. This is the most upstanding philosophy of his notes , rhymes and rhythms all together. Barrister Smooth inputs moral lessons in all his songs, in dirges, in elegies, ballads and party songs . A conscious listener will gain a lot from these lessons whether on top flight Agene or Owigiri. The invaluable themes in his songs, "dance but don't be stupid". "Drink but be wise", Be happy but be cautious." " Gyrate but be focused." " Be ambitious but not desperate." "In the midst the Opuyes, control yourself , don't be carried away. The paddle's importance cannot be overemphasized, it's the engine, the energy that performs the action, the idea behind the creativity. It's the life of the soul. In fact,everyone needs a paddle, even kings need to be paddled ! Without the paddle the canoe is inactive, confused and aimless. The paddle is much more functional than the crown. The crown sits and expects loyalty, the paddle steers the movement, brings hope and succor to everyone. It's of no wonder, Chief Barrister S Smooth, the Akpobibo-owei is a clear reflection of the connotations attributed to what the paddle signifies . As an acknowledgement of his selfless contributions to the Ijaw highlife genre, known widely as Owigiri, I take a literary bow alongside my carefully inked pen to honor this extraordinary talent of Africa, born into the Ijaw nation. I will always say, thank you the paddle, keep steering us to happiness, wisdom, succour and freedom. - Tam Oburumu