IN the fast-paced world of entertainment, career transitions often come with their fair share of surprises. However, few shifts are as poignant as moving from the realm of comedy to gospel music, as it encapsulates a significant transformation from delivering laughter to sharing profound spiritual messages.
Such is the remarkable story of Emmanuel Edunjobi, widely known as EmmaOMG (also known as Mr. Jelenke)—a multi-talented comedian, instrumentalist, content creator, YouTuber, event host, TV/Radio presenter, actor, and gospel artiste. Beyond performances, he also writes, arranges, and produces music.
EmmaOMG stands as a multi-faceted entertainer who has made remarkable strides in Nigeria’s creative landscape, encompassing comedy, acting, and music. He infuses his musical work with a distinctive mix of traditional hymns and contemporary flair, gaining traction across diverse audiences.
His innovative ‘Congregational Hymns Series’ a live recording that beautifully fuses traditional and modern styles, creating a refreshing worship atmosphere. This live recording infused with humour and engaging presentations, showcases EmmaOMG’s vibrant personality alongside powerful vocals that revitalise classic hymns. Meanwhile, his ‘OhEmGee Praise Sessions’ masterfully intertwines praise music with comedy, appealing to a broad spectrum of music lovers.
As the driving force behind the annual ‘Faaji Friday Show (The Gratitude Party),’ the ‘Oh Em Gee Choir,’ and the engaging ‘OhEmGee Live with Emma Oh Ma God,’ EmmaOMG has become a recognised name in entertainment, blending humour seamlessly with music.
The youngest of six siblings, EmmaOMG holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Covenant University. His catchy moniker, ‘Emma Oh Ma God,’ emerged from his infectious enthusiasm for performing and his frequent exclamations of “oh my God” in response to audience appreciation during his acts.
Renowned for his comic video mixes and reinvented renditions of popular melodies, he has collaborated with various artistes, hosted numerous events, and performed at high-profile concerts, solidifying his place in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
His influence across social media platforms has won him much praise from fans and peers alike. He founded ‘The Ohemgee Band,’ known for impressive performances of both traditional and contemporary praise and worship music at exclusive gatherings.
EmmaOMG’s career gained momentum on Instagram, showcasing short, relatable skits that resonate widely. His distinctive comedic style often draws from everyday Nigerian life, making his content enjoyable for many.
Noteworthy among his works are ‘Teletubbies in Ibadan,’ a hilarious parody that illustrates his knack for merging humour with music, along with remakes of popular songs such as Davido’s Aye and ‘Chris Brown in Ojuelegba.’
Despite a successful path in comedy and acting, he places a high premium on music; this is evident in his Yoruba gospel praise medleys and engaging song parodies. His unyielding love for music blossomed in youth, where he self-taught guitar, piano, and drums to no end.
Tracks like Ife, Gbesoke and Love Nwantintin have received substantial airplay on major radio stations across the nation, including Wazobia FM, Cool FM, Rockcity FM, and Eko FM.
Reflecting on his trajectory, EmmaOMG states, “Comedy provides a unique avenue for self-expression,” he added that “I am not exactly a comedian. However, I believe that for entertainers and people of influence such as comedians, it is a privilege to be in that position. It is also an opportunity for one to promote morals and good ethics to lead the younger generations in the right way, so that our values can be passed on.”
According to him, “Comedians lighten people’s hearts and inspire laughter even in challenging times. It is a very important job. There is a level of intelligence that comes with being a comedian and major parts of that are ‘emotional intelligence’ and ‘moral intelligence.”
EmmaOMG attributes his success to divine influence, stressing that God fuels the passion and energy within him. “I have gone through multiple transitions over the years. Growing up, I listened to music greats like King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and Lagbaja, alongside Fela’s remarkable instrumentals. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for good music, and those influences reside in my subconscious, surfacing during my creative processes,” he said.
“At one point, I was doing stand-up comedy and serving as a master of ceremonies (MC). Later on, I started making skits; then at a point, I switched to acting; completing my evolution into music, which is now my primary focus. Each decision feels right in retrospect, and I am convinced God ordered my steps,” the multi-talent entertainer added.
Discussing his musical genre choice, EmmaOMG said: “I shy away from boxing myself into the gospel music label; I just express my heart. The primary thing in my heart is my love for God, and that is what I sing about. My inspiration comes from my love for God, and my desire to deepen my connection with Him.”
He adds that his upbringing significantly influenced him: “I was brought up by a single mother, who was a devout follower of Christ. She was a prayer warrior who often prayed and sang hymns during her downtimes, and that’s one of the reasons I know many hymns.
“I absorbed her strength and love for music. Her passing left a void, but I find solace and connection through hymns. Over time, I have a personal relationship with God, so the songs (hymns) are expressions of my love for him.”