According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday, April 16, 2026, veteran Nigerian musician African China has spoken about the personal risks he faced during the peak of his music career, particularly as a result of producing socially conscious songs.
The artist, known for using his music to address societal issues, shared his experiences during a recent appearance on a podcast where he reflected on the challenges that came with speaking openly about governance, inequality, and the struggles of ordinary citizens.
His account provides insight into the environment in which some musicians operated while trying to express critical views through their art.
During the discussion, African China explained that his style of music, which often highlighted political and social concerns, placed him in difficult situations.
He noted that there were periods when he felt unsafe due to reactions from certain groups who were displeased with the messages in his songs.
According to him, the content of his music attracted attention from individuals and organizations that he believed were uncomfortable with his outspoken approach.
This situation, he indicated, created a sense of constant pressure and uncertainty in his professional and personal life.
The singer, who gained widespread recognition with his track Mr President, stated that he had to take steps to ensure his safety.
As part of these measures, he learned martial arts as a means of self-defense.
He described this decision as necessary at the time, given the nature of the threats he perceived around him.
His experience reflects a period in the Nigerian music industry where some artists believed they needed to adopt additional forms of protection due to the influence and reach of their messages.
In addition to physical training, African China also mentioned exploring traditional methods of protection.
He explained that this was part of his broader effort to safeguard himself while continuing to produce music that addressed sensitive issues.
His comments highlight the extent to which he felt exposed during that phase of his career, and the lengths he believed were required to navigate the challenges associated with his work.
The combination of different protective approaches illustrates the seriousness with which he viewed the risks tied to his artistic expression.
He said, “I am a black belter. During my time, you need to know how to fight to survive in the music industry. I was not just learning martial art but also engaged in voodoo to protect myself.”…..See More
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