Veteran Singer Shadow Abraham Says He Is Stranded in Lagos After Decades Abroad

Veteran Nigerian rock singer Shadow Abraham, known for the song “Omo Yen Wu Mi,” says he is stranded in Lagos after decades of performing and living in Europe. He recounts leaving Nigeria as a teenager, travelling across West Africa to Spain and France, and later returning home in the 1970s, when he says Fela Anikulapo-Kuti helped introduce him to the Nigerian music industry. Abraham says his recordings, including “Omo Yen Wu Mi” and “Babalawo,” were released through EMI and later circulated internationally. He alleges that his music has been licensed and sold by companies abroad without his consent, and that he has received no royalties despite agreements he says were made with music distributors. These claims have not been independently verified. He also alleges that he was attacked and robbed in Dakar in 2025 while preparing to pursue legal action over the rights dispute. He says he lost his passport, money and personal documents, and now needs medical care, accommodation and legal support to pursue his copyright claims and rebuild his life.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.