African China Says Police, OPC Forced Him to Use Juju for Protection During Music Career

Veteran Nigerian singer African China, born Chinagorom Onuoha, has revealed the extent of personal risk he faced during the peak of his career, attributing it to the nature of his socially conscious music and the realities of Nigeria’s street environment at the time.

The Mr President crooner, speaking on a recent episode of the Beer Parlor Talk podcast, detailed how his activism through music placed him in direct confrontation with law enforcement agencies, local vigilante groups, and street factions. He explained that survival required more than talent, forcing him to adopt unconventional protective measures.

“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 alway tried to harras me even when I was performing but the audience always give me signals whenever they are coming. So, OPC thought I was using voodoo to disappear. I was always at alert,” he recalled.

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His comments shed light on the intense pressures faced by artists who challenge societal and political structures through their work, particularly in an era where music often intersected with activism and resistance.