Music: Buchi – “His Name Is Holy”

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 same year took up an appointment to lecture at the same institution alongside a PhD program. 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 same 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 Brutus, 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 deejay 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. In 1992, Buchi gave his life to Jesus in Christ Embassy Church and transited from nightclub to the choir of the ministry, where he has remained till date.

1st album “These Days” 1999

2nd album “So Beautiful” 2002

3rd album “What a life” 2005

4th album “Sound of life” 2008

5th album “Judah” 2011

Besides being a prolific songwriter, Buchi has also authored two books namely Behind the songs (an anthology) and Ceasefire ( a novel based on his true life story). Buchi has ministered in church concerts, crusades, gospel music festivals etc. multiple award winner including prestigious,

AMEN Awards for Best in Gospel Category 1999, Faith Awards 2000, POMP Awards 2002, TOMA Awards, for three categories. Best Artiste, Reggae Artiste and Gospel album of the year 2005, Life Achievers’ Award 2008 amongst many others. He’s married to Jane with 4 children.

Here is Buchi with his latest single titled “His Name Is Holy”. According to Buchi, “Some songs are composed, some reconstructed; others are birthed in the place of fellowship with God’s Spirit. They just come. In a sense one cannot truly claim authorship of this last category. “YOUR NAME IS HOLY” belongs here. In this blend of hardcore reggae and soulful worship, Buchi, in his first collabo with his daughter, Olive, seeks to capture a worship session in heaven. Enjoy!

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