Nigeria’s Contemporary Music Has Restored Hope in Youths, Says Afrobeat Star 

Sunday Okobi

Nigerian Afrobeat star and youth advocate, Leonard Eze Onwuka, widely known as LB, has lauded the influence and contribution of the Nigeria’s contemporary music to nation-building, saying it has renewed hope in youths.

Onwuka made the remarks at a session with THISDAY recently, saying young Nigerians had become desirous of the genre of music and fully participated as artists, publicists and creative directors, among others, to build their lives.

 He observed that music and other forms of entertainment had also positively impacted Nigerian society.

The artist, who has released a single called ‘Mula’, recalled how he picked interest in performing art at a very young age, writing music at every slightest opportunity, watching different acts and reciting their songs.

The songster, who said Mula was released last month and composed by himself alongside Momoh Oshiotseameh Luke, acknowledged that the Nigerian music industry has grown big, remembering how it was in 2004 when he was and still ardent music listener.

He said: “I have always wanted to be a performer. I have always wished to be a star in the music landscape. I’m glad at what we have achieved, and I know I’ve got a major role to play to better it.”

On the challenges in getting a record label and his musical life in general, the Abia State-born singer expressed hope to work with big acts in the industry, strike deals and get exposed to the world’s biggest stages.

 On how to hit the zenith, Onwuka stated: “Well, I will not really say I have got it all planned out. But for a start, I have a team that supports me, and we all have a big dream. I will keep releasing good music and market them strategically for sure.  I will let God lead.”