Singer, songwriter and lecturer, Buchi, celebrated his 50th birthday on June 24. Buchi started performing as a reggae musician at the Floating Buka in Lagos but when he became born again in 1992, he changed from hardcore reggae to gospel reggae. Having passed through the thick and thin of the music world, Buchi shares his 30 years stage experience with The Stage.
When did you start playing music professionally?
It was between 1985 and 86. It’s almost 30 years ago but I started playing gospel music when I became born again in 1992.
When was your first time on stage?
My first stage experience was at the Floating Buka in Lagos. I used to play every Friday night but my first real live performance was around 1987 or 88 in Warri, Delta State, when I opened for Ras Kimono.
How was the show?
Nice, brilliant and wonderful
How did you prepare for the show?
I prepared from the club and besides, going on stage was not new to me because I was used to crowds.
Did you have stage fright because playing at concerts is different from club shows?
Obviously, anybody playing for the first time to a large crowd must have stage fright. But the best way to conquer such a thing is to go on stage and do what you know how to do best.
Did you take any stimulant or strong drink before going on stage?
No, I won’t talk about that because this is not the Buchi you used to know before 1992.
But people want to learn from your experience?
No, I’m a brand new man and I don’t talk about those things any more.
Okay, what do you normally do before going on stage now?
I pray and meditate on the Word of God. The stage has become an extension of my life. Sometimes I fast on the day of the show or I don’t eat too close to the show. I take only fruits and water. These enhances my performance.
How is your back stage like?
My back stage is always busy because there is a lot of communication going on there. But as for me, I pray, meditate and speak in tongues silently or loudly.
Have you ever had a bad show?
Yes, it depends on what you mean by a bad show. A bad show to me is when I want people to be in the presence of God and something else happens. It happened that during one of my concerts, I was told that a group will be performing before me. But guess what, Umoja, a South African group that dances naked came on stage and after the group’s performance, I came on stage and that affected the environment. Despite that I went on stage, played good music and tried as much as I could to make people feel the presence of God.
How were you able to conquer that?
I did not need to conquer anything. I went on stage to sing gospel music which I did. Of course, you know Umoja had taken the attention of the audience. Only God knew what they were expecting. When they started hearing Jesus and praise the Lord, hallelujah, it wasn’t funny but I tried my best.
What has been the relationship between you and your male and female fans?
Cordial.
What has a crazy male or female fan done to you?
I don’t cut the picture of somebody you can do crazy things with because with me, you feel the presence of God. But during shows I have witnessed people falling under anointing; that is people falling and rolling on the floor.
Have you had any embarrassing technical problem on stage?
It often happens during rehearsals and I know how to deal with that. You don’t get too close to the microphone. I have been in the business for a very long time and I know the rudiments
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