If you lived in Nigeria anytime between 1997 and the early 2000s, you couldn’t escape the impact of “Love Me Jeje.” The song—and its unforgettable music video—was everywhere, dominating terrestrial TV and radio. What set it apart wasn’t just its catchy melody, but its production quality. It looked and sounded like a big-budget American hit. In the video, Seyi Sodimu—dark shades on, mafioso-style suit, flanked by bodyguards—strode in like a ’90s hip-hop superstar. And for many Nigerians, he was exactly that.
Seyi was born in Lagos and attended The Fountain School in Surulere, followed by Igbobi College in Yaba. In the late ’80s, he moved to the U.S. for university, studying at Prince George’s Community College. There, he began writing poetry and short stories for the school magazine—an early sign of the lyricist he would become. His transition into music came after meeting Carl Bassey, a DJ and producer who would go on to become his creative partner.
In 1998, Seyi released his debut album Born in Afrika under his own independent label, Shakara Entertainment. The album’s breakout track, “Love Me Jeje,” became a chart-topping success in Nigeria. It also featured the vocals of Shaffy Bello—now a celebrated actress, but then an emerging talent.
Seyi followed up with State of Mind in 2002, released through another indie label, Good Life Entertainment. The album produced another hit, “Money Man” (again featuring Shaffy Bello), which would be his last major hit in the Nigerian music scene. He continued releasing music sporadically, including singles like “Sophisticated Woman” with Wayne Wonder, and “Pele Pele,” a remake of Ebenezer Obey’s *“Ore Mi Se Pele Pele”—*a nod to his own family lineage, as he is related to the juju music legend. In 2016, he also released a remix of “Love Me Jeje” featuring American R&B singer K. Michelle.
In recent years, Seyi’s name and music have experienced a revival. Most notably, Tems interpolated “Love Me Jeje” in her 2024 single of the same name, which went on to win a Grammy for Best African Music Performance. During a 2024 interview at Grammy Weekend in Los Angeles, Seyi reflected on his journey, recalling how major U.S. labels once rejected him for “looking American but sounding African.”
Today, that sound he was once dismissed for has become the pulse of global pop. Seyi Sodimu’s story is a testament to the cyclical power of music and how modern Afrobeats continues to reconnect with its roots. With his early success, genre-bending style, and lasting cultural footprint, Seyi stands tall as one of the true pioneers of Afrobeats.