Tunde and Wunmi Obe
Tunde and Wunmi Obe, professionally known as T.W.O (Tunde, Wunmi Obe) are Nigerian show business couple, entertainers, television personalities and entrepreneurs. They met and began their music career as undergraduates in the 90s.
Tunde and Wunmi Obe | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Babatunde Edward Obe, Omowunmi Valerie Aboderin |
| Origin | Ondo & Ibadan - Nigeria |
| Years active | 1988 till date |
| Labels | Zmirage (1997), Alec Music, KopyKats Entertainment |
| Associated acts | 2face Idibia, Rymzo, 9ice, Segun Obe, Dammy Krane, Ruggedman |
| Website | www |
| Members | Tunde Obe, Wunmi Obe |
Tunde and Wunmi Obe first made an entry into the Nigerian Entertainment scene in ‘The Charly Boy Show'; a television programme in the 90s.
After ‘The Charly Boy Show’ they went released their debut album ‘Sealed’ in 1999, which was followed by ‘T.W.O’ in 2003, ‘T.W.O 4 real’ in 2007, T.W.O Legit in 2010 and ‘T.W.O PLUS’ in 2015.
Their debut album ‘Sealed’ was released in 1999 shortly after they formalized their union.[1]
Background
Formation / Debut Album
Wunmi Aboderin met Tunde Obe while an undergraduate at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 1988 where she was pursuing a degree in Philosophy. Tunde, an undergraduate of Lagos State University (LASU) was pursuing a degree in History Education.
Wunmi met him when she officially joined the UNILAG band; Turning Point in which Tunde was already lead singer. The two became friends. The band separated when its members graduated but Tunde and Wunmi stayed together.
They first sang as a duet in ‘Sealed’. It was a success and they decided to work on an album.
T.W.O got their first recording contract from Zmirage in 1997 and their debut Album “Sealed” was released in 1998.
1999: Sealed (Zmirage)
In 1998 ‘’Sealed” was released under Zmirage music label. It was produced by Albert Kalu. It contained ‘’Tomorrow’’ ‘‘The Way’’ and ‘‘Jafunmi’’; a remake of the juju Maestro King Sunny Ade (KSA)’s hit song.
Before “Sealed” was released, T.W.O had featured on ‘The Charly Boy Show’ for about six years while Tunde had featured in a few Nigerian movies.
At this time, they were trying to rebrand themselves as singers rather than actors.
2002: T.W.O (KopyKats Entertainment)
After a four-year break T.W.O released their self-titled album ‘T.W.O’, the album was their official announcement to the public that they have rebranded after their union was formalized. This was the first album they recorded as a married couple
They released the album in 2002. The album was produced by Omololu Ogunleye and released under their label, ‘KopyKats Entertainment’.
The album contained the tracks ‘‘Show Luv’’, ‘‘Voice Mail’’, ‘‘Ope Mi’’ and remix of late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s monster hit ‘’Palava’’.
The album had few marketing hiccups. ‘T.W.O’ was released at a period when there were no structured record labels or companies in Nigeria.
2006: T.W.O 4 Real (Alec Music)
After four years, T.W.O released a new album under Alec’s Music record label. With their last album came criticism from people who did not like the idea of the remakes of popular hit tracks.
Their plan was to honor their mentors in the industry by remaking their hit track in each of their album, but the public were not aware of their decision. The critics saw T.W.O as not being creative enough to write their songs.
This time around, ‘T.W.O 4 Real’ had multiple producers; Rymzo produced the tracks “Adupe” “Like a fool” “Let me be the one” “Tribute 2 Jay(dedicated to the loving memory of Wunmi’s younger brother Jaiyejeje Aboderin) , “I Need Someone” and “What You give”.
Pufffy T produced “Mo Gbo Mo Ya” “It’s About Us”, Charles Duke produced “Mo Gbo Mo Ya” remix and Olaitan Adebowale produced “I need someone”.
The album has some collaboration with other artistes which included Rymzo, Segun Obe, Mode 9, Ruggedman and Freestyle.
It contained ‘Mo Gbo Mo Ya’, ‘Adupe’, ‘I Need Someone’, alongside other tracks which proved T.W.O’s creativity.
‘’T.W.O 4 Real” was one of their highest album, with sales figures grossing millions. The album is still in demand.
2010:T.W.O Legit (KopyKats Entertainment)
About the time of ‘T.W.O Legit’, there were rumours of the couple retiring from music and going back to television. Hence the album title. In 2010, T.W.O began recording.
‘T.W.O Legit’ was produced by several people including ID Cabasa, Puffy T, Rymzo, Foster Zeeno.
It contained tracks like ‘Fine Bara’, ‘Atewo’, ‘Zombie’, ‘T.W.O Legit’, ‘Hit the Dance floor’, ‘Get This Party Started’ and others.
T.W.O had mapped out a business plan for the sale and distribution of the album before its release. The album came in jewel boxes of 20,000 copies taken to strategic outlets targeted at specific audience.
Some fans couldn’t grasp the strategy behind “T.W.O Legit” distribution. In the first three months of its release, it appeared like T.W.O had made a wrong decision because the paper pack version wasn’t available at that time.
However, the decision paid off in the long run because the paper pack version sold out as soon as it hit the market. Over 18,000 jewel box copies were sold, some were given out as corporate gifts.
Alec Music was the sole marketer of the paper pack album. T.W.O also gave Alec Music reproduction right.
2014: T.W.O PLUS (KopyKats Entertainment)
After the release of any album, T.W.O, as a matter of policy conduct research to feel the pulse of the public before recording another album.
The outcome of the research conducted by their team revealed that the public are yearning to see T.W.O collaborate with other artiste; especially the younger ones.
With that in mind, a couple of names were put together and the process started. T.W.O is open minded about working with artiste who would love to collaborate with them.
In 2014, T.W.O hit the studio again to satisfy the yearning of their fans by recording another album ‘’T.W.O PLUS’’. As the name implies, it is a collaboration with other artistes.
The album ‘T.W.O PLUS’ features established artistes; 2face Idibia, 9ice, Dammy Krane and Segun Obe.
T.W.O also showed their support for upcoming acts by featuring them in the album, these includes Teniim, Brace and Mazi Floss. “T.W.O PLUS’’ boasts of multiple production giants.
Four singles out of the album has been released “‘Green White Green’’ featuring 2face Idibia, ‘‘Wedding Day’’ featuring upcoming act Teniim, “Bianu” featuring Mazi Floss and “Omonsa”. The response and feedback from the public is wonderful.
Other Ventures
Apart from music which is their first love. T.W.O have displayed their artistry and creativity in other ventures.
In February 2007, T.W.O premiered their first annual valentine show titled ‘’Cupid Ball with T.W.O[2]”. The first edition of Cupid’s ball first held at Eko Hotel and suites in February 2007, while the second edition held at Lagoon restaurant, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island.
‘Cupid Ball’ was designed to give lovers an unforgettable Valentine experience in a cozy environment with the best in entertainment.
The event is a dance and dinner gig for lovers. It was held for four years before they took a break from it to give attention to other venture.
The special event highlights lingerie show, celebrity red carpet, back-to-back performances, multi-course meals and a blind date segment.
The annual event is their own way of celebrating love, loving and lovers in an environment where the letters of ROMANCE are spelt in capital letters.
The event was sponsored by some brands such as Primetime Entertainment, Encomium, Soundcity, Now Muzik, AIT, Global Excellence and Nigezie.
T.W.O own and run their music label ‘’KopyKats Entertainment” alongside other business.
Television
In the 90s just before the release of their debut album, T.W.O were encouraged to go on air to showcase their hilarious side by people who had always seen them exchange funny banters.
They took the suggestion and approached Charles Oputa (Charly Boy) to give them a slot in his ‘The Charly Boy Show’ that was already running. Charly Boy accepted and brought them on board.
T.W.O rocked Television screens with their hilarious roles in ‘The Charly Boy Show’ where Wunmi presented the ‘Woman to Woman’ segment and featured alongside Tunde in the ‘Mr. & Mrs.’ segment of the rested ‘Charly Boy Show’. The show became a Saturday lifestyle for many Nigerians. They left a huge impression on their fans who till date are clamoring for a comic TV show from them.
Wunmi also co-starred in the late Amaka Igwe TV soap opera, ‘Tempest - A Tale of 2 Women’
Tunde has featured in several Nigerian movies including the popular ‘The Gardener’ in which he played the title character; ‘Daybreak’ ‘The Testament’ and ‘Goodbye Tomorrow’.
He once co-hosted the wave making interview programme, ‘ZOOM TIME’ alongside his bosom pal, Charly Boy Oputa. ‘ZOOM TIME’ was ‘Charly Boy Show’ political spin off which featured prominent politicians and occasionally entertainers.
It was a popular programme that ran for years.
Jay Search[3]
On December 3, 2004, Wunmi lost her younger brother Jaiyejeje Aboderin, who was only 33 years old. He slumped and died after a game of basketball leaving, behind a wife (actress Stella Damasus) and two daughters, Angelica and Isabel.
When he was alive, Jaiye Aboderin supported and encouraged young and upcoming music acts. In 2009, the family launched “Jay Search”, a talent competition in memory of Jaiye Aboderin.
The immortalization was embarked on to continue Jaiye’s legacy, because he supported young, up-and-coming artistes to develop their talents, help them grow and assist them in making an impact in the entertainment industry.
The first ‘Jay Search’ was in 2009. In December 3, 2009, 23-year-old undergraduate, OluwaSunbo Olundegun also known as ‘Big Ma’ emerged winner of the first edition of Jay’s Search and walked home with a cash prize of N150,000 and a record deal of a single with T.W.O’s ‘Kopykats Entertainment’ record label. Today, she is an on-air personality with a popular lifestyle radio in Nigeria and also runs her PR outfit.
Due to the fact that it was solely sponsored by the family, it took another two years for the second edition of the competition to hold. Contestants had absolutely nothing to lose because no financial commitment is expected of them.
The winner is offered a recording contract; for one single with ‘KopyKats Entertainment’, cash prize, photo shoot, a video, and some publicity. The non-profit making competition is designed to make them visible and create a stepping stone for them because they are not bound by any contract.
The contestants are taken through two stages of the competition; they perform their composition and another song. They are not restricted to any music genre. The basis of choosing a winner was not about who could sing the best but who had the most marketable song and personality.
The last set of judges were El-Dee of Trybes Record, Segun Demuren of EME, Segun Obe, Mr. Wale Aboderin, Chairman of Punch.
In 2011, Daniel Oramali also known as ‘Chuck Dee’ emerged winner of the second edition of Jay’s Search while other contestants went home with consolation prizes. The video of his single ‘Take Control’ was unveiled to the public at Federal Palace Hotel on December 13, 2014 at the 10th year memorial of Jaiye Aboderin. Chuck Dee also got the prizes promised as the winner.
Personal life
T.W.O have been married since 1998 with three children, Modesayo, Ricardo and Andre. When they are not in the studio recording or rehearsing with their band, they spend quality time with their children and attend to their businesses.
They are not a regular in the social scene because they only socialize when necessary. They love the quiet and private lifestyle.
T.W.O’s philosophies are ‘treat others as you want to be treated’, ‘what you give is what you get’. Today, they are recognized as role models and scandal free showbiz couple.
Legacy
T.W.O have had an outstanding marriage, having been married since 1998 and counting. Their enviable union keeps flourishing even in the wake of celebrity divorce.
Their union is proof that celebrity marriages can stand the test of time when the right ingredients are put into it. Today, they are recognized as role models and Nigerian scandal free foremost showbiz couple. Little wonder they did a song titled ‘Wedding Day’ in their TWO PLUS album where they dished out advise on the institution of marriage.
T.W.O has produced ever green songs with rich lyrical content and social messages even with a blend of comedy. Songs like “Mogbo Moya”, “Fine Bara”, “Atewo”, “I need someone”, “Green White Green” will never be forgotten.
‘Adupe’ has become part of churches’ praise and thanksgiving melody.
T.W.O will be remembered as the showbiz couple who played good, clean, meaningful music and impacted positively on people’s lives. Their music is suitable for all ages and can be aired at any time of the day. Even though their music has evolved over the years, they have been consistent with their delivery; all of which has contributed largely to their staying power.
T.W.O have succeeded in changing the popular belief that couples who do business together may face the challenge of ‘conflict of interest’ which may contribute to the termination of the business partnership.
They advocated for the restoration of peace and unity in Nigeria with their ‘Green White Green’ song where they featured pop icon 2Face Idibia.
Discography
Studio albums
1999: Sealed
‘Tomorrow’
‘The Way’
‘Jafunmi’
2002: T.W.O (Tunde, Wunmi Obe)
Show Luv’,
‘Voice Mail’,
‘Ope Mi’
‘Palava’.
2006: T.W.O 4 Real
Adupe
Like a fool
Let me be the one
Tribute 2 Jay
I need someone
And what U give
Mo Gbo Mo Ya
It’s About Us
2010: T.W.O Legit
Fine Bara
Atewo
Zombie
T.W.O Legit
Hit the Dance floor
Get This Party Started
2014: T.W.O PLUS
(Track List)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Recipient | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | T.W.O | Best use of Costume
(NMVA) |
Won |
Future Projects
T.W.O will begin work on pilots for their own television show, which would begin airing early in 2015.
People loved watching them on the ‘Charly Boy Show’ in the 90s and other television stint they had done; Nigerian home videos and soap opera.
After thorough research and years of planning, T.W.O will begin airing their TV show, ‘It Takes T.W.O’. It’s a variety show that’s family friendly and funny.
T.W.O plan to establish an event center as a platform for young, up and coming artiste to showcase their talents. Today, such place is not readily available. It will be a relaxation spot where live music can be listened to.
References
- "We can never break up - Tunde and Wunmi Obe - Premium Times Nigeria". Premium Times Nigeria. 2015-05-08. Retrieved 2016-05-28.
- "Tunde And Wunmi Obe Set For Cupid's Ball Again | | Nigerian Entertainment Today - Nigeria's Number 1 Entertainment Daily". Nigerian Entertainment Today - Nigeria's Number 1 Entertainment Daily. 2010-02-04. Retrieved 2016-05-28.
- "'Jay's Search' Returns With Second Season | | Nigerian Entertainment Today - Nigeria's Number 1 Entertainment Daily". Nigerian Entertainment Today - Nigeria's Number 1 Entertainment Daily. 2011-10-20. Retrieved 2016-05-28.