Remembering the life and legacy of gospel music legend, Tom Aba

Tom Aba was born on March 22, 1956 at Otukpo, the fourth male of a polygamous family. He attended St. Mary’s Primary School, Otukpo; Methodist High School, Igumale; and took a shot at the Higher School Certificate in Gindiri Boys’ High School, Gindiri – IDOMA VOICE.

Everyone thought Tom would grow up to be a Catholic priest. From about age 4 to 6, he often gathered his parents and siblings in the family parlour; dressed the occasional table; and “said mass”. Of course, he did become a priest, but in the strict Biblical order.

After a decade of personal and corporate image making; and to the dismay of his employers, siblings, and fans; Bro. Tom Aba resigned from NTA for full-time gospel music ministry under the banner of Eagle Foundation. He produced four major albums under his Sonshyne label.

For a brief spell, he also managed a music studio owned by the late Sam Obla, along with Pastor Wilfred Bonse, a gifted composer-singer and gospel teacher. An astute keyboardist, guitarist, and singer, Tom performed with, among others, Panam Percy Paul and Ann Mker. Ever self-motivating, he strived to master the saxophone until he could no longer muster the breath required to give life to that extra-challenging instrument.

Mid-1994, Bro. Tom Aba fell asleep after a massive onslaught of pneumonia, leaving three secondary school children for his wife, Susan. His death was particularly devastating to his family and the church at large; more especially as his immediate older brother, Christian, had died less than three years previously. The tremendous number of Christian brethren and other sympathizers, fans, and admirers who staunchly rallied round us at their funerals–more especially Tom’s–is one of the ways through which God comforted the Aba and Ocheibi families; urged us to show forth our born-again claims even in the face of crushing pains. We use this memorial occasion to thank them all for their love and loyalty.

Good-looking and gregarious, he was cherished by virtually all who had contact with him. He had more adult friends and associates than he had among his peers. The late Christopher Hua, then the District Officer at Otukpo, was one example. Tom’s drive for music manifested at Igumale where he organised choir/musicals and honed his fledgling skills on the few, basic musical equipment he could find. In the late 1970s, he was very popular as the resident Disc Jockey at Dolphin Hotel night club, Makurdi.

In 1980, he was employed as newscaster at NTA Makurdi, a job in which he excelled and garnered greater acclaim still, through very creative children’s programmes, etc. Here, he attended training courses, including a sojourn at Halverson Radio Institute in Holland, eventually rising to the post of Corporate Officer.

It was at NTA that Tom had a final, definitive encounter with our Lord, Jesus Christ, under the discipleship of Joe Ichull. From then on, the Holy Spirit took over his musical and other gifting for heavenly purposes. Soon, Bro. Tom Aba was being invited to minister all over the country, at national conventions of Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship Int’l; etc.

In 1984, he got married to Sr. Susan, from the esteemed Odumu Ocheibi family of Otukpo. They bore three children, now university graduates; proven Christians; and youth gospel musicians in their own rights. Tom’s family joined a unique, loosely structured but firmly-worded assembly called Church in the House. This gave Tom another opportunity to grow more deeply; minister around the nation; and to discover his (mostly fallow) teaching office.

A decade afterward, his widow too left us. Tom’s life of 37 years was short, no doubt; however, his enduring renditions have made, and still make, appreciable impact on his generation. Among other things, he coached musicians such as the US-based Joe Otumala, Evang. Isaac Itodo; Pastor Bonse; etc. Further, as kids the likes of God’s Shield Orokpo and Chris Morgan literally sat at his feet, to tap anointing. This duo was so inspired that, downstream in their musical careers, they silently “borrowed” some of his popular copyright songs and even chords!