Hassan Kehinde Daniel, professionally known as Kent Edunjobi, is one of Nigeria’s most distinctive contemporary music creatives, a composer, songwriter, producer, arranger, and worship leader whose work sits at the intersection of gospel devotion, African folk heritage, and cinematic storytelling. His music is deeply rooted, culturally conscious, spiritually expressive, and intentionally crafted to serve meaning rather than mere sound.
Early Roots and Musical Formation
Kent Edunjobi was born on May 29 in Magodo, Lagos State, into a Christian home where music was part of everyday life. He grew up as a twin, alongside his twin brother and younger sister, in an environment shaped by Yoruba musical traditions and classic Nigerian sounds. As a child, he absorbed the works of legends such as Sir Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade, often imitating melodies and rhythms long before he understood music theory.
Life was not without challenges. The early loss of his father introduced hardship and responsibility at a young age, but it also shaped Kent’s emotional depth and resilience. These experiences would later surface in his music, not as noise, but as honest, reflective expression.
Church, Faith, and Musical Discipline
Kent’s true musical foundation was laid in the church. He joined the choir of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), International Headquarters, Ketu, where he learned discipline, harmony, leadership, and the spiritual purpose of sound. Over time, he rose to become the Music Director of the Apex Choir, a role that refined his ability to arrange music for voices, instruments, and congregational worship.
Even as his musical calling became clearer, Kent pursued formal education, studying Computer Science and Statistics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This balance between structure and creativity continues to reflect in his work — detailed, intentional, and thoughtfully constructed.
Transition into Film and Soundtrack Composition
Kent Edunjobi’s entry into professional soundtrack composition came through his collaboration with Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP Records) in 2016. What followed was not a sudden leap, but a steady rise built on understanding story, culture, and emotional context. He contributed original soundtracks to films such as Roti, Swallow, The Bridge, Diamonds in the Sky, Citation, A Naija Christmas, King of Boys: The Return of the King, and Aníkúlápó.
For Kent, soundtrack creation is immersive. He studies scripts, locations, languages, and cultural settings before composing. His work on Aníkúlápó stands as a defining example, a soundtrack built from historical awareness, Yoruba folklore, and lived cultural texture, resulting in music that feels native to the story rather than added to it.
Gospel Music and Public Recognition
Alongside film work, Kent remained deeply committed to gospel music. His song “Ebenezeri”, recorded with the Apex Choir, became a viral worship anthem, reaching millions organically. The song’s success was not driven by promotion, but by sincerity, a reflection of Kent’s belief that worship music must first be truthful before it becomes popular.
Other notable works such as Ore Ope and Oke Tente further established his identity as a gospel artist whose music is both spiritually grounded and culturally resonant.
Awards and Industry Impact
Kent Edunjobi’s work has earned significant recognition. His soundtrack for Citation won Best Soundtrack at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). In 2023, his score for Aníkúlápó earned him Best Soundtrack at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), marking his first AMVCA win and affirming the growing importance of soundtrack composition in African cinema.
In a moment that reflected his values, Kent returned the AMVCA award to his church, acknowledging the spiritual foundation that shaped his journey.
Musical Identity and Legacy
Kent Edunjobi’s sound is defined by Afro-folk influences, Yoruba musical heritage, gospel spirituality, and cinematic sensitivity. He does not chase trends; instead, he builds music that carries history, faith, and emotional truth.
Married and family-oriented, Kent continues to create with purpose, clarity, and conviction. From church choir stands to international film screens, his journey reflects patience, faith, and a deep respect for sound as both art and calling. Today, Kent Edunjobi stands as a composer whose music does not merely accompany stories, it gives them soul.
