Gospel reggae veteran says surviving a campus cult execution transformed his life, inspired his new album One Big Family and shaped his ministry beyond music

Nigerian gospel reggae icon Buchi Atuonwu has revealed that surviving what he described as a miraculous escape from execution while involved in a campus cult fundamentally changed the course of his life, inspiring a decades-long mission to preach the Christian faith through music, public ministry and even the hospitality business.

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The veteran singer, popularly known simply as Buchi, made the disclosure while reflecting on his life journey following the release of his latest album, One Big Family, issued last week to mark his birthday.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday Sun, Atuonwu recounted how his life once revolved around street culture, cult activities and nightlife before a life-changing encounter with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome transformed his outlook.

According to Atuonwu, the turning point came after he went underground following violent confrontations linked to his involvement in a campus confraternity and subsequent encounters with security agencies.

“Like many young men of my time, I was streetwise. I lived much of my life on the street. The confraternity exposed me to the life of the underworld. I was also a nightclub DJ,” Atuonwu said.

The gospel artiste disclosed that he later attended a service at Christ Embassy before meeting Pastor Oyakhilome privately the following day.

“After being with him for two and a half hours, he prayed for me and led me to Christ. That was the beginning of my journey in the faith,” Atuonwu said.

The singer, whose career spans more than three decades, has become one of Nigeria’s most recognisable gospel reggae musicians, blending Caribbean rhythms with Christian themes that focus on redemption, hope and social transformation.

His latest project continues that message with a strong appeal for unity among Christian denominations.

Atuonwu said One Big Family was inspired by what he considers growing divisions within the Church, arguing that greater unity would strengthen Christianity’s response to societal challenges.

“Whether you are Catholic, Pentecostal or Charismatic, we are one in Christ Jesus. The body of Christ is one and undivided,” Atuonwu said.

Beyond music, Atuonwu also explained the philosophy behind Kulture Yard, the faith-inspired entertainment and hospitality centre he founded in Ikeja, Lagos.

The musician said the initiative was born from a desire to make Christian values visible outside traditional church settings by creating a family-friendly environment where recreation and faith could coexist.

Atuonwu acknowledged that alcohol is available at the venue but said smoking is prohibited because of its impact on other people.

“In Kulture Yard, we do not smoke and do not allow smoking because it affects other people. With alcohol, I am not aware that it is a sin. When I learn that, we will make adjustment,” he said.

The release of One Big Family also comes with plans for another National Hymn Festival expected to hold in Abuja later this year, continuing an initiative that has brought together Christians from different denominations to worship collectively.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s security challenges, Atuonwu urged Christians to respond with unity rather than fear, insisting that the Church still possesses the spiritual capacity to influence national healing.

The singer criticised what he described as inconsistencies in the government’s handling of insecurity and called for greater transparency.

“It is for the government to be honest about it, simple. If the government is honest about it, it will end today,” Atuonwu said.

He also referenced attacks on Christian communities and recalled incidents such as the abduction of the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls, arguing that violence affecting any part of the country should concern every Nigerian regardless of geography or denomination.

Atuonwu’s comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across several regions.

Religious leaders from different faiths have repeatedly appealed for stronger collaboration between government, security agencies and communities while encouraging dialogue, justice and accountability as part of long-term solutions.

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For Atuonwu, however, the central message remains unchanged. The same experience that rescued him from a violent past continues to shape his music and ministry, with One Big Family serving as his latest call for unity, compassion and enduring faith.