Johnpaul Arabome: A Pristine chef and fine musician

By Augustine Alozie

When you mention the name Johnpaul Arabome in Nigeria, people might be asking who that is, however he is making waves where he stays for more than two decades, after his formative years in Edo State, South South Nigeria, the chef relocated abroad for further studies. In the last five years, he has discovered what he wanted and has stuck to it. Making a name for himself, and his country of birth.

Just like language, music and the arts, food has always been one of the benchmarks of people’s cultural heritage. In the last three years, Johnpaul Arabome has been able to showcase the Nigerian delicacy to the world, from dusting off competitors from Ghana, Kenya, Gambia, etc to win the Jollof wars prize in 2022 to catering for top Afrobeat acts whenever they are in Los Angeles in California, United States of America.

Being a multi-talented person, Johnpaul Arabome also has his hands on other things. Beyond being a celebrated chef in the United States of America, he also sings. On his Spotify account, under the PeppDigital moniker, two projects have already been released with more than three pre-released singles. The songs find him crooning about God, beautiful women and the challenges of everyday life. There is no doubt that he is a party rocker.

On December 2021 PeppDigital released “A Beautiful Day,” which has a poignant input from the songstress Kashimana Ahua, the song finds both artiste exploring a slowed down jazzy beat to sing about life, love and solitude. It is a laid back production that showcases the artistic strength of both of them. The string is laid in such a way it effortlessly align the other production element.

“Siddon Pon It,” effortlessly mixes Dancehall and Afrobeats with minimal lyrics. It’s a high-tempo powered production. Deliberately crafted for the shindig parties around. Fun, funky and hilarious at the same breath.

The artiste explores his romantic side on “Girl From Ghana,” as he serenades his lover, showering encomium on her. The mid tempo track is punctuated with saxophone.

Johnpaul Arabome scarcely collaborates with others, he is more into his craft. He prefers to do the singing himself, expressing how he feels rather than wait on others to do that for him. His last released project “Goat Daddy,” pays copious tribute to saxophone with the singer flitting between love, party and women interest. The husky voice makes it more thrilling.

JohnPaul continues to make marks in his own world. He is not in any haste, just a man who loves what he does. While he loves music and movies, food remains his most cherished love. Where does he go from here? It’s better if we keep our fingers crossed and watch.