Kent Edunjobi

Hazzan Kehinde Daniel, professionally known as Kent Edunjobi, is a Nigerian musician, songwriter, record producer, and film soundtrack composer.Operating brilliantly at the intersection of gospel worship, rich African folk traditions, and cinematic storytelling, he has carved out a unique space in the contemporary Nigerian music and film industries.He is widely celebrated for his ability to translate complex cultural and spiritual themes into sweeping musical arrangements.

Edunjobi is best known for his long standing collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, serving as the musical architect behind some of Nollywood’s biggest projects.His soundtrack for the hit Netflix movie Aníkúlápó brought him widespread mainstream recognition.Beyond the film industry, he is a prominent gospel artist and worship leader, most notable for his viral hit song “Ebenezeri,” which successfully bridged the gap between traditional church hymns and modern gospel appeal.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

Kent Edunjobi was born on May 29 in Magodo, Lagos State, into a Christian family where music was woven into everyday life.Born a twin, he grew up alongside his twin brother and younger sister.His childhood was heavily influenced by Yoruba musical traditions and the classic sounds of Nigerian legends like Sir Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade.Following the early passing of his father, he faced significant hardships, experiences that ultimately fostered his resilience and shaped the emotional depth found in his music today.

Education

Despite his clear artistic calling, Edunjobi pursued a formal academic path. He attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied Computer Science and Statistics.This background in structured, analytical thinking often translates into his musical process, allowing him to carefully arrange complex compositions and orchestrate multi layered soundtracks.

How His Music Career Started

Edunjobi’s musical foundation was solidly built within the church walls. He joined the choir of the Celestial Church of Christ at the International Headquarters in Ketu, Lagos.Through years of dedication, he learned the intricacies of vocal harmony, instrumentation, and choir leadership, eventually rising to the position of Music Director for the Apex Choir.This role allowed him to refine his skills in arranging music for large voices and congregational worship, setting the stage for his professional career.

Career and Breakthrough

His transition into the mainstream entertainment industry began in 2016 when he started working with Kunle Afolayan Productions.He steadily built a reputation as a reliable and culturally aware composer, providing the official soundtracks for major films such as Roti, The Bridge, Swallow, and Citation.

However, his major breakthrough arrived with the release of the 2022 Netflix film Aníkúlápó.His immersive, folklore driven soundtrack for the movie captivated audiences globally.In 2023, he experienced another massive surge in popularity, this time in the gospel scene, with the release of the worship anthem “Ebenezeri”.Recorded with the Apex Choir, the song went viral, amassing millions of views and cementing his dual identity as a film composer and a gospel maestro.

Musical Style and Influences

Edunjobi’s sound is a rich tapestry of Afro folk influences, deep Yoruba musical heritage, and gospel spirituality.When composing for film, he is known for his highly immersive approach, heavily researching the scripts, locations, and cultural contexts before recording.Instead of following fleeting pop trends, he builds music that carries historical weight and emotional truth, utilizing traditional African instruments and grand vocal arrangements to give his projects a cinematic, soul stirring feel.

Notable Songs and Albums

In the film sector, his notable soundtrack albums include Citation, Swallow, and Aníkúlápó, which feature culturally rich tracks like “Ife E Wa,” “Senorita,” and “Naira Kobo”. In the gospel arena, “Ebenezeri” remains his biggest hit, followed by other popular worship releases like “Oke Tente” and the Hymns We Love to Sing series. His ability to release standalone gospel projects while composing full movie scores highlights his remarkable versatility.

Awards and Recognition

His exceptional work in film scoring has not gone unnoticed by the industry. He won the Best Soundtrack award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for his work on the movie Citation.He achieved another major milestone by winning Best Soundtrack at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Aníkúlápó.Recognizing the spiritual foundation of his success, he notably dedicated and returned his AMVCA award to his church.

Personal Life

Outside of his demanding career in music and film, Edunjobi is a dedicated family man. He married his wife, Oluwafunmilayo Hazzan, on March 27, 2016. The couple has been blessed with two children, Ara and Eri.He balances his public life with a deep commitment to his family and his ongoing responsibilities as a choir leader.

Current Career and Recent Activities

Today, Kent Edunjobi remains highly active in both the cinematic and gospel music spaces. He continues to collaborate with top tier filmmakers while independently releasing gospel projects.Moving through 2025 and 2026, he has remained a consistent force, releasing new singles, EPs, and live recording sessions that showcase his enduring commitment to culturally rich and spiritually uplifting music.