I’m not afraid to die, says African China

Since Chinagorom Onuoha, aka African China, came to the limelight, he has been known for questioning Nigerian politicians and the people in government with his songs.

In a chat with Sunday Scoop, he said he would never keep quiet on the truth even if it could cause him his life. He added, “Whether one talks or not, one will surely die. The future of our young kids is in our hands; so, I cannot just keep quiet because I am afraid to die. It is high time we started thinking of the new generation, not ourselves alone. This is the only country I feel people don’t value the younger generation. The government should focus on the new generation and how life can be better for them.

“In my songs, I don’t insult anyone; I only tell them facts. They promised us certain things before they came into power; they promised us good life. But after getting there, they have given us pains. So, I only try to remind them that this is not what they promised me and you.”

African China, who recently released a song, Letter to Mr. President, maintained that Nigerians had come to realise the importance of his music.

He said, “Nigerians like songs they can dance to, but at the moment, everyone is looking for Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. People now regret and wish they had paid more attention to him while he was alive. Since Fela is no more, I am here to fill the gap. “While growing up, Fela was my role model. I learnt many things from him because he was a good philosopher and he was a man of his word. I thank God I was able to attend one or two of his shows before he passed on. Though I did not have the opportunity to meet him, I have a close relationship with his sons, Femi and Seun.”

Speaking on new projects, African China stated, “I have new singles but when you record songs, you don’t just put them out. You must listen to them many times and be sure they are good enough for the public. You know in Nigeria, once you keep quiet for a while, they feel you are old and nothing new can come out from you anymore. But I want to show people that I still have a lot to offer society. I have been working quietly and I have come to realise that my kind of music has its time and season. I think this is the time.

“A lot of things have been said about me. People went as far as saying I had collected money from the government, which has kept me quiet. I have not left music and I have not changed; I have not deviated from who I am.”