Renowned Nigerian musician Cobhams Asuquo on Life, Lessons, Legacy

Nigerian music producer and songwriter Cobhams Asuquo, recently shared his thoughts on life, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness in Doing Life With. Cobhams Known for his musical genius and inspiring journey opened up about what he considers one of his greatest achievements, not fame or accolades, but the ability to maintain his joy despite life’s challenges.

“For me, one of my greatest achievements is being able to keep my joy and happiness,” he revealed. “It’s been threatened more than a few times, but I’ve realized that as people grow older, they often lose that. I sometimes wonder if I’ll become one of those people. It’s a terrible thing to lose one’s happiness, and I’m acutely conscious of protecting it.”

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A Childhood Shaped by Music and Curiosity

Reflecting on his upbringing, Cobhams described a childhood filled with love, exploration, and an early connection to music. “As a child, I did everything I was big and bad enough to do. I made music with everything around me—metal barrels, forks, knives, anything. My parents played a lot of music at home, and that helped shape who I am today,” he shared.

This early exposure to music and an unrelenting curiosity became the foundation of his career. Despite being visually impaired, Cobhams never saw it as a limitation. In one of his TED Talks, he famously said, “Sometimes, sight is a distraction.” For him, experience is the best teacher, and his own journey serves as an example of resilience and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Finding Joy in the Little Things

While many celebrate his incredible achievements in music, Cobhams values something much more personal—his ability to protect his happiness. “As people grow older, happiness is something they often lose, but I’m very conscious about safeguarding mine,” he noted.

He also shared a life philosophy that guides him: “Weigh everything on the scales of love and intention. Let your actions come from a place of love, and always mean well. That way, you can forgive yourself and others when mistakes happen—because mistakes will happen.”

Surprising Passions and Daily Life

Beyond music, Cobhams revealed some surprising facts about himself. “I’m very country at heart. I love dirt roads, big trucks, a house on a farm, whiskey, guns, Jesus, and barbecue—the full package!” he said with a laugh.

A typical day in his life is a mix of work, creativity, and relaxation. “I wake up, say my prayers, have breakfast, then spend a lot of time working and daydreaming in my office. I build things in my head a lot—if I could see, I might’ve been an architect,” he mused. His days often include listening to a wide range of music, from Bach and CeCe Winans to Davido and Drake.

A Man of Many Talents

While widely recognized as a music maestro, Cobhams also has hidden talents. “I can taste food for Africa! My taste buds are elite! I also consider myself a sommelier. And I’m a good voice actor—I can mimic that one uncle that everyone laughs about behind his back,” he joked.

When asked about what he would add or remove from his life, he thoughtfully responded, “Most things I’d have said I’d like to remove have shaped my most invaluable experiences. As for what I’d include—if you have $50 million you’re not using, I’d like to add that to my life!”

A Legacy of Joy and Impact

As Cobhams continues to inspire through music and his life story, his reflections serve as a reminder that true success is not just about accolades but about maintaining joy, finding purpose, and making a lasting impact. His words resonate deeply, emphasizing that no matter what life brings, happiness is worth protecting.

Bellanaija/Oluchi