Veteran Nigerian singer Chinagorom Onuoha, popularly known as African China, has opened up on the dangers he faced at the height of his career due to his socially conscious music.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Beer Parlor Talk podcast, the Mr President crooner disclosed that his outspoken songs attracted hostility from security operatives and street groups, forcing him to adopt unconventional means of self-protection.
According to the singer, he took up martial arts training and explored spiritual methods to safeguard himself amid persistent threats.
“I am a black belter. During my time, you needed to know how to fight to survive in the music industry,” he said. “I wasn’t just learning martial arts; I also engaged in voodoo to protect myself.”
African China revealed that his music, which often addressed societal and political issues, made him a target of harassment from the police, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), and area boys.
“My life was in danger because I was making conscious music. I was running from police, OPC and area boys. Informants also helped me escape from constant threats,” he recalled.
He further explained that members of the OPC would sometimes attempt to disrupt his performances, but loyal fans often alerted him in advance, helping him evade confrontation.
“OPC always tried to harass me, even when I was performing, but the audience would signal me whenever they were coming. They even thought I was using voodoo to disappear. I was always on alert,” he added.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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