Bongos Ikwue, a renowned Nigerian songwriter, producer, instrumentalist and singer, on Tuesday, clocked 81 years.
Born on June 6, 1942 in Otukpo, Benue State, he attended St. Paul’s Secondary School, Zaria and Okene Comprehensive Secondary School where he formed his first band- the Cubana Boys.
Recall that in 2022, Nigeria’s ex-President Muhammadu Buhari joined his family, friends and fans all over the world in sending warm greetings to Bongos Ikwue, the iconic performer, whose voice keeps serenading for more than 40 years, on his 80th birthday.
Buhari affirmed that the multi-talented artist holds a special place in Nigeria’s music history, starting out with the “Cubana Boys,’’ “UniBello Brothers” and “Bongos Ikwue and the Groovies’’ to release songs that have remained evergreen, like “Still Searching,’’ “Amen,” “What’s Gonna Be Is Gonna Be’’ and “Cocks Crow at Dawn” with philosophical messages that touch on love, kindness, loyalty, unity, peace and togetherness.
Bongos started music career early in school while he attended Okene Comprehensive where he formed a group called “Cubana Boys” after which he moved to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Business Administration. While in (ABU) Zaria, he formed his own Band called “Unibello Brothers.”
Apart from the raw beauty of his finely honed voice, another thing that set the musical genius apart is his dedication to the promotion of Africa and African values, by his continuous use of his native Idoma language in his songs.
Bongos is always original; he does not imitate any artist, local or international, but focuses on perfecting his chosen genre.
He had featured prominently in Akwa Ibom Government Christmas Festival. Married to Josephine, he has five children – four girls and one boy.
