Vanguard News

April 27, 2024

Frustration, conspiracy forced me into self-imposed exile – Returnee musician, Aguike opens up

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

Legendary musician, Aguike popularly known as ‘Allah-Bama’ back in the days, who embarked on a self-imposed exile abroad for several years  is finally back home to reclaim his spot in the country’s vibrant music scene.

Allah-Bama, as he’s fondly called by his fans and colleagues, was one of the influential musicians of the early 90s.

He was the 1st Vice Chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, as well as founder of the defunct group, Musicians of the Niger.

But while he was gaining prominence in the country’s music scene, Allah-Bama, born Emma Ike Agu, decided to embark on self- imposed exile in America following the frustration and conspiracy that later became the order of the day in the music industry.

Aguike left the shores of the country in 2002, returned home briefly in 2015 for his mother’s burial, after which he disappeared again until recently when his ‘Wajo’ dance project brought him home.

Sharing his experience in a recent chat with Saturday Vanguard in Lagos, the legendary singer revealed that he embarked on self-imposed exile because of the frustration and conspiracy that became the order of the day in the country’s music industry.

He said while he was active on the music scene then, many promoters and stakeholders did everything to undermine his efforts to excel in his music career. Aguike particularly mentioned Kenny Ogungbe and his partner, D-One, accusing them of yanking off air his chart-topping songs from AIT/ RayPower. He also recounted the discrimination he faced while working in some government establishments.

Following these sad experiences, Aguike said he was left with no choice than to embark on self-imposed exile pending when the coast would be cleared.

Narrating, Aguike said, “I was among those musicians who believed that  things should be done on merit in the music industry. At a time, the music industry was heading for a collapse. There were those who called  themselves promoters working with the elites at AIT to undermine the efforts of those of us who were independent artists then.

“I sponsored my debut album because I wanted to play the kind of music that people would identify me with in future. I never wanted to play music where I would be accused of copying others. I play music that cuts across a global audience. That’s why today young people across the world can dance to my music.

Music is universal, music doesn’t know age, race or sex. That’s what music is all about. So , when I released my debut album, it made waves  with people describing it as an album for another generation.

“Then, I was not used to hyping myself. But it got to a point where the first set of people to undermine me came from AIT/RayPower FM. They were Kenny Ogungbe and D-One. Then, my music came top for whatever reason on AIT/RayPower music charts. I never paid any DJ to play my music but it came out as number one. The following week, they stopped playing my music and people were wondering what happened.

“When they stopped playing my music, I sent my manager to AIT, and they told me that they couldn’t find my tape. I stormed AIT and insisted on seeing my tape. It took the intervention of the late Chairman of the organization, Raymond Dokpesi for them to produce my tape. I was working with the Federal Department of Agriculture and when it was my time to head a particular department, they started playing tribal politics. I went to work at Tin Can Island.. It was the same story. I established the Musicians of the Niger group at Onyeka Onwenu’s house  but I was accused of plotting to bring down the leadership of King Sunny Ade as PMAN president. It was crazy what I faced as a singer in 1998 in the country. At that point, I felt frustrated, As a result, I decided to embark on self-imposed exile in the United States to set a new record for myself,” Aguike narrated.

In fact, since bursting onto the country’s music scene with his delightful Afro rhumba calypso-influenced dance rhythms and melodies, Aguike, who’s recognized as a bridge between the old and new generation of Nigerian singers has consistently evolved as a singer, producer and  songwriter.

While he possessed exceptional talent in songwriting, the singer has continually reinvented himself and surpassed his previous offerings with each new endeavor and musical style.

Following the current trends, where Afrobeats dominates the global stage, Aguike’s latest effort showcases an irresistible contemporary brand of world-class Afrobeat creations that establish him as a maestro within the genre. He’s currently in the country to continue the dance project of his latest offering “Wajo” which is enjoying global acclamation.

Aguike said he’s due to release a 24-track album in August, this year, adding that going back to the basis will sustain the much talked about Afrobeats.

“I will be coming home again, I will be doing the Igbo war dance, which showcases the Igbo culture in a very contemporaneous way,” Aguike added.

His classics from the 90s like the timeless ‘Wajo Similaya’ continue to serve as musical benchmarks and points of reference. He’s credited to possess exceptional skills in reading musical notes and mastering various instruments. In the 90s, he achieved success by releasing his music through his own record label while embarking on a national tour with support from the French Cultural Center in Lagos. He stands out among Nigerian musicians who emerged during that era .

Agu of Allah-Bama fame returns home with Wajo

Gbenga Bada   April 28, 2024-The Nation Newspapers

eteran musician Emma Ike Agu aka Allah-Bama is back with a dance project entitled ‘Wajo.’

Alla-Bama, who left Nigeria many years ago, has returned to the music scene with his latest music offering.

After gaining popularity with ‘Wajo’ outside the shores of Nigeria, Allah-Bama said he’s back in continuation of the dance project.

peaking in a chat, Agu said he’s due to release a 24-track album in August 2024 adding that going back to the basics will help to sustain our music culture.

“When next I will be home, I will be doing the Igbo war dance, which showcases the Igbo culture in a very contemporaneous way,” Agu added.

Since bursting onto the country’s music scene with his delightful Afro-calypso-influenced dance rhythms and melodies, Agu has continued to evolve as a singer, producer and songwriter.

While he has always possessed exceptional talent in songwriting, the singer has continually reinvented himself and surpassed his previous offerings with each new endeavour and musical style.

Following the current trends , where Afrobeats dominates the global stage, Agu’s latest efforts showcases an irresistibly contemporary brand of world-class Afrobeats creations that establish him as a maestro within the genre. His classics from the 90s like the timeless ‘Wajo Similaya’ continue to serve as musical benchmarks and points of reference.

Aguike Of :Allah-Bama’ fame Returns Home With Wajo

Written by Solomon Nda-Isaiah-The Leadership

Veteran musician Emma Ike Agu, better known as Allah-Bama, who left the shores of the country several years ago is back with a dance project called ‘Wajo’ which happens to be his latest music offering.

Wajo is being danced by youths across the globe, and Aguike said he’s in the country in continuation of the dance project.

He gained prominence in the country’s music scene in the early 90s,  before embarking on self- imposed exile in America following the frustration and conspiracy that later became the order of the day in the music industry.

Speaking in a chat with us in

 Lagos, Aguike said he’s als due to release a 24-track album in August, this year, adding that going back to the bases will help to sustain our music culture.

“ When next I will be home, I will be doing the Igbo war dance, which showcases the Igbo culture in a very contemporaneous way,” Aguike added.

Since bursting onto the country’s music scene with his delightful Afro rhumba calypso-influenced dance rhythms and melodies, Aguike, who’s recognized as a bridge between the old and new generation of Nigerian  singers has consistently evolved as a singer, producer and songwriter.

While he has always possessed exceptional talent in songwriting, the legendary singer has continually reinvented himself and surpassed his previous offerings with each new endeavor and musical style.

Following the current trends , where Afrobeats dominates the global stage, Aguike’s latest efforts showcases an irresistibly contemporary brand of world-class Afrobeats creations that establish him as a maestro within the genre. He’s currently in the country to continue the dance project of his latest offering “Wajo” which is enjoying global acclamation.

His classics from the 90s like the timeless ‘Wajo Similaya’ continue to serve as musical benchmarks and points of reference. He’s credited to possess exceptional skills in reading musical notes and mastering various instruments. Aguike’s proficiency in sequencing and orchestrating his songs using popular digital audio workstations such as Protools and Studiolive is second to none. As an award-winning music producer himself, he holds a prominent position within the industry. In the 90s, he achieved success by releasing his music through his own  record label while embarking on a national tour with support from the French Cultural Center in  Lagos. He stands out among Nigerian musicians who emerged during that era .

Aside from being recognized for his musical talents, Aguike is highly regarded as a media guru, who took several years off from playing music to create a successful media platform. His accomplishments include winning numerous awards for best media personality along with declining honorary doctorate awards for headlining the African Inaugural ball for President Obama in 2008. Furthermore, he was honored in Edmonton, Canada after headlining the African dance festival there.

With his return to the music scene, Aguike’s new Afrobeats songs are a testament to his timeless songwriting creativity. He’s not only here to reclaim his spot, but also, reunite with the music clan back home and showcase his new sounds that cut across all audiences across the globe.

Thisday

Allah-Bama Returns with Wajo, Set to Release 24 Track Album

Tosin Clegg

Veteran musician Emma Ike Agu, popularly known as Allah-Bama, has  made a triumphant return to the music scene with his latest dance project, ‘Wajo’. After spending several years abroad, he is back in Nigeria, spearheading the ‘Wajo’ dance project, which has gained traction among youth worldwide.

Having risen to prominence in the Nigerian music scene in the early 90s, Allah-Bama’s departure to America was prompted by frustrations and industry conspiracies. However, he’s now back with renewed vigor, set to release a 24-track album in August, aiming to preserve and promote  Nigeria’s rich music culture.

Allah-Bama has expressed his commitment to showcasing Igbo culture through music, including plans for an Igbo dance performance. Throughout his career, he has bridged the gap between generations, evolving as a singer, producer, and songwriter.

His latest music embraces contemporary Afrobeats, aligning with global trends while maintaining his signature style.

Tracks like the iconic ‘Wajo Similaya’ from the 90s continue to resonate, cementing his legacy in Nigerian music.

Beyond his musical talents, he is recognised as a media luminary, with accolades for his contributions to the industry. From winning awards as a media personality to headlining prestigious events like the African Inaugural ball for President Obama, his impact extends far beyond music.

Now back in Nigeria, he aims to reclaim his position in the music industry, reconnect with his roots, and introduce his innovative sounds to a global audience. With his timeless creativity and unwavering passion, Allah-Bama is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene once again.

The Guardian

  Weekend BeatsAfrobeats may be like Nollywood if caution is not taken- AguikeDaniel Anazia

27 April 2024

Veteran musician, Emma Ike Agu, better known as Allah-Bama, has called on emerging Nigerian artistes to go back to the foundation of Afrobeats if they don’t want the genre to go the way of Nollywood movies.

<p>Aguike said this during a chat with the media in Lagos. He said there was a time when Nollywood films and stars were celebrated all over the world. But today, reverse is the case as nobody is recognising stars anymore, because the industry keeps churning out the same movies and copying themselves. They are no longer original. And we don&#8217;t take time, our music industry will be like Nollywood,” Aguike warned.</p>

<p>Aguike, who left the shores of the country several years ago, expressed this heartfelt concern as he&#8217;s currently in the country in continuation of his Wajo dance project, which happens to be his latest offering.</p>

<p>Wajo is danced by youths across the globe, and Aguike said he&#8217;s in the country in continuation of the dance project.</p>

<p>He gained prominence in the country&#8217;s music scene in the early 90s, before embarking on self-imposed exile in America following the frustration and conspiracy that later became the order of the day in the music industry.</p>

<p>Aguike said a 24-track album is due for release in August, this year, adding that going back to the bases will help to sustain our music culture.</p>

<p>“When next I will be home, I will be doing the Igbo war dance, which showcases the Igbo culture in a very contemporaneous way,” Aguike said.Since bursting onto the country&s music scene with his delightful Afro rhumba calypso-influenced dance rhythms and melodies, Aguike, recognised as a bridge between the old and new generation of Nigerian singers, has consistently evolved as a singer, producer and songwriter.

Aguike returns home with Wajo

28th April 2024

By Rita Okoye

 Veteran musician Emma Ike Agu, better known as Aguike of Allah-Bama, who left the shores of the country several years ago is back with a dance project called  ‘Wajo’ which happens to be his latest music offering.

Wajo is being danced by youths across the globe, and Aguike said he’s in the country in continuation of the dance project.

He gained prominence in the country’s music scene in the early 90s, before embarking on self-imposed exile in America following the frustration and conspiracy that later became the order of the day in the music industry.

Speaking in a chat with us in Lagos, Aguike said he’s also due to release a 24-track album in August, this year, adding that going back to the bases will help to sustain our music culture.

“When next I will be home, I will be doing the Igbo war dance, which showcases the Igbo culture in a very contemporaneous way,” Aguike added.

Since bursting onto the country’s music scene with his delightful Afro rhumba calypso-influenced dance rhythms and melodies, Aguike, who is recognized as a bridge between the old and new generation of Nigerian singers has consistently evolved as a singer, producer and songwriter.

While he has always possessed exceptional talent in songwriting, the legendary singer has continually reinvented himself and surpassed his previous offerings with each new  endeavour and musical style.

Following the current trends, where Afrobeat dominates the global stage, Aguike’s latest efforts showcase an irresistibly contemporary brand of world-class Afrobeats creations that establish him as a maestro within the genre. He’s currently in the country to continue the dance project of his latest offering “Wajo”  which is enjoying global acclamation.

 

Allah-Bama stuns the world with Wajo dance project

By Benjamin Njoku July 6, 2024

US-based Nigerian veteran singer Emma Ike Agu, popularly known as Allah-Bama, is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to take his ‘Wajo dance project’ across the length and breadth of the world.

Youths across the globe are already dancing to Wajo (dance) which is his latest musical offering.

In a chat with our reporter, Allah-Bama, said his desire was s to make ;Wajo’ , an acceptable global dance form, cutting across all audiences, races, and people of all ages. He was in Nigeria, months back to unveil the dance project to the local audience, and he was inundated with the accolades that greeted the project.

The veteran singer gained prominence in the country’s music scene back in the early 90s, before relocating to the United States.

According to him, Wajo is all about bringing different cultures around the world to dance.

“Dance is not just about entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment. Being a multi-instrumentalist, I have a basic understanding of Hausa, Igbirra, and Edu languages. I can speak Igbo while I also understand the e Yoruba dialect. English is my official language, and I have a limited knowledge of Spanish.

 

Allah-Bama Laments Plight Of Nigerian Entertainers

• June 29, 2024  Mutiat Lawore

US-based Nigerian singer Emma Ike Agu, popularly known as Allah-Bama, who was in the country months back for his ‘Wajo dance project,’ has expressed concern over the plight of Nigerian entertainers. He says the entertainers, who lay the golden eggs are cur- rently wallowing in abject poverty. Sharing his experience in a WhatsApp chat with our reporter, Agu decried the worsening condition of Nigerian entertainers, stressing that “the ones who lay the golden eggs are also left to suffer.”

He said that despite the international acclaim and awards earned by Nigerian musicians, it is sad to see the country’s en- tertainers wallowing in abject poverty. Agu added: “From the songwriters who craft hits for our mainstream and international stars to the backup singers, session musicians, and dancers, a staggering 97% of Nigerian entertainers are struggling to make a living. “The situation is so dire that many of the sessions I worked with while abroad couldn’t afford the transportation fare to see me. “Studio owners are losing their businesses and are forced to op- erate from their homes with sub-par acoustics and soundproofing. Studio operators have lost a vast majority of their clients.

Hikes in fuel price and lack of steady power supply are grinding the industry to a halt. The fate of the Nigerian recording industry in the next four years, if things do not improve, can be anybody’s guess.” Continuing, he added,:“ I came back home to shoot and release my new album, but I had to cut short my trip and travel back to New York because my dancers were going through hell. The weather was scorching, and the heat wave, to say the least, made me sick for days. I watched most of my dancers suffering in the sun. I had to shut down production and send them home. “ Agu was in the country to put finishing touches to his dance project called ‘Wajo’ which happens to be his latest music offering.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/07/allah-bama-stuns-the-world-with-wajo-dance-project/amp/

 

Aguike of Allah-Bama Fame Makes Case For Entertainers

United States-based Nigerian singer Emma Ike Agu, popularly known as Allah-Bama, who was in the country months back for his ‘Wajo dance project’ has expressed concern over the plight of Nigerian entertainers.

He said the entertainers, who lay the golden eggs are currently wallowing in abject poverty.

Sharing his experience, while in a WhatsApp chat with our reporter, Aguike, who’s fondly called Allah-Bama, decried the worsening condition of Nigerian entertainers, stressing that “the ones who lay the golden eggs are also left to suffer.”

He said that despite the international acclaim and awards earned by Nigerian musicians, it’s appalling to see the country’s entertainers wallowing in abject poverty.

Aguike said “From the songwriters who craft hits for our mainstream and international stars to the backup singers, session musicians, and dancers, a staggering 97% of Nigerian entertainers are struggling to make a living.

“The situation is so dire that many of the sessions I worked with while abroad couldn’t afford the transportation fare to see me.

“Studio owners are losing their businesses and are forced to operate from their homes with sub-par acoustics and soundproofing. Studio operators have lost a vast majority of their clients. Hikes in fuel price and lack of steady power supply are grinding the industry to a halt. The fate of the Nigerian recording industry in the next four years, if things do not improve, can be anybody’s guess.”

Continuing, he added, “ I came back home to shoot and release my new album, but I had to cut short my trip and travel back to New York because my dancers were going through hell. The weather was scorching, and the heatwave, to say the least, made me sick for days. I watched most of my dancers suffering in the sun. I had to shut down production and send them home. “

Aguike was in the country to put finishing touches to his dance project called ‘Wajo’ which happens to be his latest music offering.

https://pmexpressng.com/aguike-of-allah-bama-fame-makes-case-for-entertainers/

 

https://leadership.ng/ban-on-spraying-of-naira-at-parties-will-impoverish-entertainers-allah-bama/