My father, unsung hero of Nigerian National Anthem composition – Eddy Remedy

Thelma Osatohanmwen

In a recent revelation, veteran singer and former member of The Remedies, Edward Ashiedu Brown, known as Eddy Remedy, has shed light on a long-standing injustice concerning the composition of the Nigerian national anthem.

Remedy asserts that his father, Ashiedu Brown, a retired police officer and member of the Nigeria Police Band, played a significant role in crafting the anthem alongside his colleagues.

However, despite his father’s contributions, all recognition was solely attributed to his superior, Benedict Elise Odiase, the band’s director.

Remedy expressed his frustration, highlighting the lack of acknowledgment and national honours bestowed upon his father for his pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s anthem.

He revealed that his father’s disenchantment with the system influenced his disapproval of Remedy’s own musical pursuits, fearing that he too would face a similar fate of unrecognized talent.

In an interview with Daddy Freeze, Remedy conveyed his understanding of his father’s reluctance towards his musical aspirations, citing the injustice experienced by his father as a significant factor. “Now I understand why my dad didn’t want me to do music. Because they did the same thing to him,” he said.