Entertainment
Buchi: From Night Club To Choir Ministry …Thrills Guests At RSBC Easter Choral Festival
Buchi
Internationally acclaimed
gospel music maestro Buchi, is a household name in both the gospel music genre and the entertainment world, his exploits in the gospel music industry is legendary. In 1992, Buchi gave his life to Jesus at the Christ Embassy Church and transited from night club to choice ministry where he has remained till date and has released many hit songs.
In an interview with the reggae artiste turned gospel singer, Buchi attributed the huge success he had recorded so far in his gospel music career, to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit which directs his songs, prophecies and stage performances.
He disclosed this to The Tide Entertainment after his unprecedented stage performance as a guest artiste at the Easter Choral Festival organized by the Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation on Monday April 6th 2015 at the Main Bowl of Alfred Diette Spiff Civic Centre Moscow Road Port Harcourt.
The gospel music living legend literally stole the show with his inspirational praise songs as the large crowd of guests went into a frenzy as they sang, danced, and shouted praises to God and the risen Christ. He said he is happy with the people of Rivers State particularly RSBC for the wonderful opportunity given to him to perform before the mammoth crowd that turned up for the event.
He stated that this was his first time of coming to Rivers State to perform and if he is invited again he will gladly oblige. Buchi was born in Kaduna to parents of Abia State origin, his education began in Enugu, took him through Methodist College Uzeakoli and Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu. In 1983 he came to Lagos to study English Language and Literary Studies in University of Lagos (UNILAG). He obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree and Master of Arts (MA) in 1988 and later took up an appointment to lecture at the institute alongside a PhD programme.
He was in the department of English until 1994 when he embraced a 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 clubs grew more intense after listening to Oliver Tambo and the officials of African National Congress (ANC), from South Africa.
During the club’s exhibition on apartheid in South Africa, Reggae music as an outcry against oppression became deeper, little wonder he so became involved in one of the campus confraternity which at the same period, prided themselves as the anti oppression movement. This preoccupation with reggae music took a new turn when his friend Ras Kimono invited him to join the team of Deejays (DJs) on the floating Bukka, a reggae nite club situated on a docked vessel on the Marina, Lagos Island.
Foremost on the list of Buchi’s strong musical influences are Eric Donalson, Joseph Hills, Burning Spear and Fanky Paul. In 1992, Buchi gave his life to Jesus at Christ Embassy Church and transited from Night Club to the choir ministry where he has remained till date and has released many hit songs.
His 1st album was in 1999 titled “These Days”, 2nd album”, So Beautiful (2002), 3rd album,” What a Life” (2005), 4th album sound of life (2008) and the 6th album, Judah (2011). Beside being a prolific song writer, Buchi has also authored two books namely” “Behind the songs” (Anthology) and “Seize Fire” ( A novel based on his true life story”.
Buchi has ministered in church concerts, crusades, gospel music festivals etc. He is also a multiple award winner which includes. The prestigious Amen award for best in gospel category (1999), Faith Awards (2000), Pomp Awards (2002) STOMA Awards for the three categories: Best Artiste, Reggae Artiste and Gospel Album of the year, (2005), Life Aachievement Award (2008) among many others.
Buchi is married with four children, his latest single is 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 of claim authorship, of this last category ‘Your Name is Holy’ belongs here. In his first collabo with his daughter Olive, he seeks to capture a worship session in heaven.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
