Day Buchi rocked Lagos to standstill
By Tosin Ajirire
Sun News Publishing

Saturday, October 22, 2011


He has never had an event like this in his entire career. For him and everyone who defied the late afternoon rain to be at Lagos Sheraton Hotel and Towers, it was indeed a day the Lord had blessed for everyone to be glad and rejoice in.

For some insiders who knew about the seeming insurmountable challenges up till the last 24 hours leading to the show, that it held and recorded a huge success was another credible evidence of the unmistakable hand of God in the affairs of reggae/gospel musician, teacher and social crusader, Buchi Atuonwu, simply known by his first name across the world.

Buchi successfully gathered the cream of Nigeria’s reggae community at the launch of his fifth album entitled, ‘Judah’ with Orits Wiliki, Ras Kimono, Righteousman and other leading reggae acts in attendance. Righteousman produced the title track on the 12-cut album.
True his tradition, Buchi continues a listing of the number of his published songs. For instance, the new album, ‘Judah’ contains songs number 33 to 44. This practice, according to him, is a response to a friend who swore at the beginning of his career, 11 years ago, that he would not be able to write more than a few songs before fizzling out.

‘Judah’ like most songs on the album is inspired by the sermons of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy where Buchi is a deacon. The words of the sermon hit Buchi’s consciousness as prophetic songs. And the words became songs. The title track is an exhortation to everyone who has surrendered to Jesus Christ to know their place that they can receive the grace to prosper and rule as a king/queen: a Judah, who has the crown on his head and scepter in his hand. On this track, Righteousman is witty and quick with the coordination and sequencing of instrumentation. While the song maintains a steady pace, it does not dwell for too long neither does it repeat a particular bloc of instrumentation. Indeed, ‘Judah’ is a happy and inspirational song to fire and maintain ambition for excellence.

Amos McRoy returns to the production circuit with his production of the opening track, ‘Number One’. But most of the production credits on the album go to Papa Sinclair. And also working with Buchi on a few tracks is Iyke Onka. Equally delivering the tracks along with Buchi are Omo Richards on ‘Brand New Man’, Chioma and Tosin on ‘Here I Lay’, Push with whom he collaborated on his last album returns to work with him again on ‘Created to Praise’. Of course, Papa English, Buchi’s alter ego, is sounding powerfully behind him on ‘We Lift Your Name.’

However, a head full of dreadlocks were not the only ones to be counted among the guests. Nollywood stars, Zack Orji, Fred Amata and Kate Henshaw-Nutal were in the house also to celebrate with Buchi and add their voices to his quest for a saner society by showing more concern for vulnerable children. Orji gave a very stimulating talk to the children pointing them to the way of righteousness that will lead to attainment of their God-ordained purpose in life.

The event was also a platform to demonstrate Buchi’s altruistic concerns for society. A documentary of his Ceasefire Project, which aims to dissuade young Nigerians from cultism and violence; a subject that Buchi has written a book entitled, ‘Ceasefire’ on.

But more of the milk of human kindness was poured on the children of the Inner City Mission, an outreach of the Christ Embassy Church, and the Stephen Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State. With the First Lady of Rivers State, Mrs. Amaechi giving a touching speech laced with sessions of singing and prayers for Buchi, the children, her home state and Nigeria. She was in the company of the former First Lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke and Udy Umondak, former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State. The Imo State Commissioner for Finance announced a donation of his entire salary to these causes till he leaves office. Money raised at the launch and from sale of the album would also be poured into meeting the needs of the children at Inner City and Stephen Centre; and Buchi’s Ceasefire Project.

When Buchi’s 12-man back-up instrumentalists and vocalists - the Bigtoonz Band - struck the note for his popular song, ‘Mma Mma’, it was an invitation for everyone to dance. Buchi went for his wife, Jane and brought her on stage. They danced for a while before he infected other valued guests with his happy mood.

awesome praise indeed. Thanks to God

I hope he ministered Jesus to these other musicians o.

^^^ I trust he would. . .
I just love his music, full of da word!