Victor Ekong
Unforgettable!
It was on this day, about this time, 28 years ago, that I met Pastor Chris and gave my life to Christ.
It calls for celebration!! Buchi shared on his Instagram
Born in Kaduna , Nigeria to parents of Abia State origin, Buchi’s early education began in Enugu and took him through Methodist College , Uzuakoli and Federal Government College , Enugu .
In 1983, he came to Lagos to study English Language and Literary Studies at the University of Lagos , obtained a BA in 1986, MA in 1988 and later the same year took up an appointment to lecture at the same institution alongside a PhD programme.
Buchi remained at the Department of English until 1994 when he yielded to the higher calling to propagate the gospel of Jesus through writing and singing in the reggae genre.
While in the university, his casual involvement in black activism through reggae club grew more intense after listening to Oliver Thambo and the officials of ANC (African National Congress) from South Africa, during the club’s exhibition on “Apartheid in South Africa” Again, having studied the black activist literature of Dennis Bruts, Wole Soyinka, Muta Baruka and the likes, Buchi’s preoccupation with reggae music as an “outcry against oppression” became deeper.
Little wonder he also became involved in one of the campus confraternities which at the time prided themselves as anti oppression movements.
This preoccupation with reggae music took a new turn when his friend Ras Kimono invited him to join the team of deejays on the Floating Bukka – a reggae nightclub situated on a docked vessel on the Marina , Lagos Island .
Foremost on the list of Buchi’s strong musical influences are Eric Donaldson, Joseph Hills , Burning Spear and Frankie Paul.
On 30th December 1992, Buchi gave his life to Jesus in Christ Embassy Church and transitted from the nightclub to the choir of that ministry, where he has remained till date.
Albums released so far by Buchi includes: 1st album released 1999 (These Days) 2nd album released 2002 (So Beautiful) 3rd album released 2005 (What a Life),These Days, So Beautiful, What a life The Sound of Life, Over the years and just recently he dropped 11:59pm . Also, Buchi has Written two books so far.
Multiple award winner including prestigious AMEN for Best in Gospel Category, 1999 Faith, POMP and TOMA Awards for Best Artiste, Reggae Artiste and Gospelalbum of the year variously and many more.
We join the rest of the world to say Happy Kingdom Birthday Pupa Buchi!
