Aguike
Aguike | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Agu Ikechukwu Emmanuel |
| Also known as |
|
| Born | September 29, 1965 Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria |
| Genres | Afro Global Tune |
| Occupations |
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| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Labels | USGM |
| Website | aguike |
Aguike (born Agu Ikechukwu Emmanuel; September 29, 1965, Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria), also known as Allah-bama, is a Nigerian-American musician, songwriter, record producer and media personality. He was raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Aguike symbolizes the mighty lion, as it is derived from the fusion of his last and middle name. It is a shortened form of Ikechukwu, which translates directly to the "Power of God". In 1995, he went by the stage name Saint Alabama. However, in 2002, he decided to change his stage name to Allah-bama.
Career[edit]
In 1983, he started working at the National Center for Agriculture Mechanization and later joined the Federal Department of Agriculture, while simultaneously pursuing music part-time with various bands. In 1996, he transitioned into a full-time musician, thereby resigning from the department as a Quarantine Officer.
In July 1997, he was elected as the first Vice Chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Lagos Branch and later resigned from the Union after his term ended. Additionally, he is an early member of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), which is led by Tony Okoroji. In 2001, he co-founded the now-defunct Musicians of Niger with Onyeka Onwenu, during King Sunny Adé's tenure as the National President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria. He is also a member of BMI.
Relocation to New York City[edit]
On July 8, 2002, Aguike shared comprehensive details regarding his decision to immigrate to the United States. He currently resides in Bayside, Queens, New York City.[1]
Return to Nigeria and Wajo[edit]
On April 4, 2024, Aguike returned to Nigeria after a self-imposed exile.[2] His return gained attention as he announced the upcoming release of a 24-track album titled Wajo (Dance).
Notable musical performances[edit]
Aguike, then named Emma Agu, headlined the African Inaugural ball for President Barack Obama on January 19, 2009.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ Clegg, Tosin (April 27, 2024). "Allah-Bama Returns with Wajo, Set to Release 24 Track Album". thisdaylive.com.
- ^ Okoye, Rita (April 28, 2024). "Aguike returns home with Wajo". sunnewsonline.com.
- ^ Sowoolu, Lolade (January 10, 2009). "Africa: Country's Emma Agu Headlines African Inaugural Ball Celebration for Obama". vangardngr.com.
External links[edit]
- "AGUIKE of Allah-Bama Fame Returns Home with Wajo" - The Nation
- "AGUIKE of Allah-Bama Fame Returns Home with Wajo" - Leadership Nigeria
- "Frustration, Conspiracy Forced Me into Self-imposed Exile" - Returnee Musician, AGUIKE Opens Up - Vanguard
- "Allah-Bama Returns with Wajo, Set to Release 24-track Album" - ThisDayLive
- "Afrobeats May Be like Nollywood if Caution Is Not Taken" - The Guardian
- "AGUIKE Returns Home with Wajo" - Sun News
- Afriqtalk - Emma Agu and Others win Award
- AllAfrica - AGUIKE News Article
- https://www.latestnigeriannews.com/p/3371560/afrobeats-may-be-like-nollywood-if-caution-is-not-taken-aguike.html