Aguike

Last updated
Aguike
Ikechukwu-Allah'bama
Background information
Birth nameAgu Ikechukwu Emmanuel
Also known as
  • Saint Alabama
  • Allah-bama
Born (1965-09-29) September 29, 1965 (age 58)
Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria
GenresAfro Global Tune
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • media personality
Instruments
Years active1996–present
LabelsUSGM
Website aguike.com

Aguike (born 29 September 1965), also known as Allah-bama, is a Nigerian-American musician, songwriter, record producer and media personality. [1]

Contents

Career

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

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

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

Aguike, then named Emma Agu, headlined the African Inaugural ball for President Barack Obama on January 19, 2009. [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 Clegg, Tosin (April 27, 2024). "Allah-Bama Returns with Wajo, Set to Release 24 Track Album". thisdaylive.com.
  2. Okoye, Rita (April 28, 2024). "Aguike returns home with Wajo". sunnewsonline.com.
  3. Sowoolu, Lolade (January 10, 2009). "Africa: Country's Emma Agu Headlines African Inaugural Ball Celebration for Obama". vangardngr.com.