By: Joshua Adinoyi
Usman Sheid, Popularly known as SUNSHINE – the Okeyi Ireyi One of Ebiraland, was born on the 3rd October 1970 into the family of Usman Anako and Hadizat Usman, both from Obeiba in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He attended An-saru-deen Primary School Obeiba Ihima from 1980 to 1986 and gained admission into Ihima Community Secondary School Obeiba from 1987 to 1991.
Knowing fully well the power of music to pass messages across easily to the general public, Usman Sheid SUNSHINE ventured into Music in 1991.
He started Music with a Cousin brother of his by the name, Alover. There is always a starting point in everything hence, Sunshine started a Local Ikede music with Alover and lasted for six years, from 1991 to 1996.
As part of efforts at meeting up with the modern drive in the 21st Century, SUNSHINE ventured into Modern Music in year 2000 and still waxing stronger in the Modern Music.
Haven moved to Lagos State for greener pasture, SUNSHINE began his public work with the Nigeria Embroidery Lace Manufacturing Company (NELCO) in Lagos from 1994 to 2001.
Following his passion for Music and quest to become better in the Entertainment industry, Sheid Usman SUNSHINE in 2001 resigned from NELCO as Head of Department to focus majorly in his Musical career.
A times, situations and events brings about motivation, hence, the rift between a political juganut in Kogi Central, Late A.T Ahmed and Usman Bello, who were of the same Party and refused to step down for one, thereby creating room for Yemi Awoniyi to emerge victorious at the Primaries of the Party.
Following the incidence, SUNSHINE waxed a song to speak to the heart of all Ebiras.
In his first Album, “Anebira Dowawu”, spoke on the need for the people to live together as one and also mentioned where the people got it wrong politically and the way forward.
SUNSHINE also mentioned the need for the people of Kogi Central to occupy the number one seat of the Confluence State and continued to speak about it until 2015, when Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, emerged the Governor of Kogi State, the dream of Sunshine finally, became a reality.
As a way of expressing his joy over the emergence of an Ebiraman as the State Governor, SUNSHINE moved his entire band from Lagos, where he resides to the Confluence Beach Hotel, along Ganaja – Ajaokuta Road to sing to the admiration of all – victorious songs and the event was from dusk till day break.
The metaphoric Musician has so far, waxed 16 Albums to his credit. Some of the Albums include; Seve Di Anebira Aruya (2003), Arimajeyi ve (2005), Yasita Neta (2008) where a popular hit track – Ihima Evayiengwuani and Aza Ota, brought him to limelight, among others.
Sunshine, is optimistic that his songs has made tremendous impact in Ebiraland in view of the power packed messages packaged in his various albums.
To appreciate his piece of art and to encourage him to do more, several organizations has bestowed Awards on SUNSHINE and has continued to receive more.
Usman Sheid SUNSHINE is a combination of both talent and skills and has promised that in the days ahead, he will continue to contribute his quota to the development of Ebiraland and impact the Ebiras, both at home and in the diaspora.
All hail Usman Sheid SUNSHINE, the Okeyi Ireyi One of Ebiraland.
