Alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Mr. Deba Uwadiae is set to celebrate his 60th birthday with a new single titled ‘Mo 60’.
Mr. Uwadiae, the publisher of New Americans magazine based in Ohio, United States of America (USA) will release the song officially on Sunday, April 7, 2024.
“The inspiration to compose Mo 60 was borne out of gratitude to God that I am going to be 60 years old. Then it dawned on me that celebrating 60 years old in the society we are does not attract the prominence that celebrating other lesser ages, especially 50 years old, attracts.
“It is therefore significant to bring the desired recognition through special song to celebrate everyone attaining the age of 60 knowing, without doubt that it’s taken so much sacrifices and dedication to attain,” the veteran journalist told NIJ Insight.
The song was produced by Columbus, Ohio-based Theo Odiifo, who he has been working with since 2020.
He disclosed that the song will be available for download on all digital platforms including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Pandora and YouTube music.
When asked how he delved into the music scene despite being a journalist, he said: “I started singing during the COVID pandemic as a challenge. I wanted something unique to remember that period. Music came as a challenge that looked insurmountable. That was why I went for it.”
Upon developing interest for music, he wrote a song for children in 2004 which was eventually orchestrated and produced by Mani Eke.
He stressed that the COVID challenge in 2020 helped him to realise that since he can write songs, he should be able to sing as well.
Consequently, he dropped two singles in 2021 titled “Ojomiloju” and “Mogberi” respectively. He also dropped an album in the same year named “Hallelujah Amen” – and from 2021 till date, he has released 11 songs including his latest record ‘Mo 60’.
Other songs are Kose, Osa, Water, Rescue, Streetlight out, One World, and Imela.
The US-based Nigerian journalist graduated from NIJ in 1985 and worked at Vanguard Newspaper afterwards. He left Vanguard in 2000 and proceeded to publishing in the aviation industry.
The media practitioner left the shores of Nigeria for USA in 2011 where he currently practice journalism and aside being the publisher of New Americans magazine, he also supervises activities at the New American Community Information Center in Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Uwadiae’s writing prowess has also seen him author a book titled “Coming to America: Early Life in America and Citizenship”.
