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.

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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 .