About Us

The Founder

Abdul Jelyl Taiwo Yaqub

The founder, Abdul Jelyl Taiwo Yaqub inherited the golden legacy bequeathed to his mother who had learnt how to prepare the product from her mother in law who learnt how to produce African black soap from early ages in Nigeria and migrated to Ghana in the early 1930’s ( over 80 years ago).

Abdul Jelyl Taiwo Yaqub growing up with the mother developed the passion to learn and research into the product. It was after his Senior High School education that he fully committed to his mother’s business. After his university education, he took over from his elderly mother and began the journey to explore which gave birth to Da Essence Organic African Soap about ten years ago.

He then incorporated Da Essence with the Registrar General’s Department of Ghana under the Companies Acts as brand name under which variety of Organic African Soap are manufactured, packaged and supplied to local and international markets.

How the name Alata Semina Came

Based on the history behind the soap, the name “Alata Semina” was coined within the Ghanaian community for the soap. Alata Semina was a breakthrough discovery and since then many homes developed an addiction to the soap. Black soap’s reputation grew nationwide within the shortest time, ultimately due to its high natural potency for treatment of all types of skin diseases, exfoliating qualities, and giving the skin a perfect look and freshness.

The journey of transformation and value addition began under the supervision of Abdul Jelyl Taiwo Yaqub; a third generation in the family business with the establishment of Da Essence Organic African Soap Laboratory with indigenous organic medicinal plants and herbs extracts added in formulating the quality of Da Essence products under strict hygienic conditions.

Da Essence Organic African Soap is now perfected through the right technology and science to deliver great results and satisfaction. In pursuit of the exceptional, extracts from Camwood, Turmeric, Sandal Wood, Essential oils, Aloe Vera, Honey, and Shea butter which have antibacterial and antiseptic properties to help fight acne, eczema, pimples, dermatitis, and psoriasis, reduce inflammation, adds a natural glow to the skin, it also acts as a moisturizer, helps fight sunburn, improves skin texture.