Nigerian-Born IT analyst and juju music prodigy, ENUOPE, making waves in North America … Advises Nigerians: Don’t sell your land or quit your job without a plan

From oil and gas professional in Nigeria to rising star on North America’s Afrocentric music scene, Olalekan Olaleye, popularly known by his stage name ENUOPE, is proving that talent and tenacity can create a bridge between two worlds.

Based in Texas, this Nigerian-born, certified Information Technology Analyst has carved out a unique space as a protégé of Nigeria’s Juju music icon, King Sunny Ade.

Often hailed as the “Prince of Nigerian Juju Music” by fans across the United States, ENUOPE’s music fuses nostalgia with contemporary sounds earning him a devoted following not just among African communities, but across Latino and Black American audiences as well.

ENUOPE’s most recent album, Undying Dreams, has continued to trend on various diaspora radio and television stations, including Echo Vibe FM in Dallas, as well as platforms in Nigeria, the UK, and South Africa.

ENUOPE reflecting on his musical journey, said that his career began at the age of five, as a choir member at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ikolaba, Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to him, “Music was just fun to me then, but it became a passion.I grew up in a music-loving family.

”In 1999, I formed a band called The Charriot with some close friends. Music is spiritual for me, it comes as feelings. It lives in me, and I in it, ” he shared.

His stage name, ENUOPE, is deeply personal and rooted in Yoruba spiritualism. “It means ‘My mouth is full of gratitude’.

“It’s more than a name. It’s my identity and a constant reminder of God’s grace, ” he explained.

A graduate of Marketing, ENUOPE once worked in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry while simultaneously pursuing music on the side, performing across Lagos and Ibadan in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Relocating to the United States was not without its challenges. “Life has its ups and downs.

“There were times I worked in warehouses just to survive. But God’s grace has been sufficient. I never let go of music, no matter where I found myself, ” he said.

Today, his live performances in Dallas and Fort Worth draw packed crowds, with his band blending the highlife rhythms of traditional Juju with modern instrumentation and vocal flair.

He recounted how the nickname “Prince of Juju Music” originated from a spontaneous live performance at a club.

“It just happened. The energy in the room was electric. But let me set the record straight, I’m not the King or the Prince of Juju. I’m just a humble artist doing what I love, ” he said.

Beyond the stage and studio, ENUOPE is using his platform to warn fellow Nigerians about the risks of unplanned migration.

As someone who has navigated the complexities of relocating to the U.S., he offered heartfelt advice:

“Please, don’t sell your family land. Don’t resign from a good job without a clear plan.

”America is not easy. Before coming here, make sure you’ve secured a verified job and have a solid plan, ” he advised.

He continued, “Many think life is automatically better abroad, but every country has its struggles.

”Prepare yourself mentally and financially. Your success abroad starts from how well you plan at home.”

Despite his success in North America, ENUOPE maintained strong ties to his homeland.

He travels between the U.S. and Nigeria and hinted at plans for a grand return.

“I never really left Nigeria. I’m always back and forth.

“Someday soon, I want to give back in a big way. Maybe a music academy, or a platform to mentor young talents, ” he said.

With singles set to drop before the year ends and plans for cross-continental collaborations underway, ENUOPE is positioning himself not just as an ambassador of Juju music, but also as a voice of reason for young Nigerians eyeing opportunities abroad.

In an era where music careers are often fast-tracked by social media clout, ENUOPE’s journey is a testament to patience, purpose, and planning.

Straddling two worlds with grace, his story resonates not just with music lovers, but with anyone chasing a dream, whether at home or abroad.

“Music keeps me going. It is my calling, my comfort, and my contribution to the world.” – ENUOPE