Veteran Nigerian singer African China, whose real name is Chinagorom Onuoha, has opened up about how his type of music once put his life in danger and the steps he took to protect himself.
Speaking on the Beer Parlor Talk podcast, the “Mr President” crooner said that during his peak, he had to learn martial arts and also relied on voodoo for protection because he was being targeted.
According to him:
“I am a black belter. During my time, you need to know how to fight to survive in the music industry. I was not just learning martial art but also engaged in voodoo to protect myself…
“My life was in danger because I was making conscious music. I was running from police, OPC and Area Boys. Informants also helped me in escaping from the constant threats. OPC always tried to harass me even when I was performing but the audience always gave me signals whenever they are coming. So, OPC thought I was using voodoo to disappear. I was always at alert,” he recalled.
The singer explained that his socially conscious songs made him a target, forcing him to stay constantly alert and depend on both physical and spiritual means to stay safe.
