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I still have over 40 songs yet to be released – Bongos Ikwue
At 81 years, Nigerian music icon Bongos Ikwue remains a musical treasure trove, as he continues to surprise and delight fans with a remarkable revelation that he has a staggering 40+ unreleased songs waiting to be shared with the world. With timeless classics like ‘Mariama’, ‘What’s gonna be’s gonna be’, ‘Still searching’, and ‘Tell my girl’, Ikwue’s upcoming musical offerings promise to be a treat for music lovers everywhere.
In a heartfelt interview in March 2020, the legendary musician, shared a poignant message about the importance of humility. He emphasized that human beings often suffer from arrogance, thinking they know more than they actually do. This false sense of knowledge, he believes, is the root of many problems.
He illustrated his point with a simple yet powerful example: “For instance, your driver is standing in front of you with his hands in his pockets, and you are angry because he has his hands in his pockets. You forget that his hands and the pockets belong to him. If you are not arrogant, you will be quiet because that is his right.”
Ikwue went on to stress that pride is the most destructive force in the world and that humility is essential for personal growth and understanding. “There is nothing that should make you challenge your driver for doing that, but we become so arrogant and forget that pride is the most destructive thing in the world. We need to be humble because we know nothing at all,” he added.
According to him, “There is no period of ailment that is not tough for anybody. I had never had an ailment. I think I was hale and hearty for the first 60 to 70 years of my life and to suddenly fall sick and suffer a stroke was not easy. It is not an ailment that anybody deserves. It is a time of reflection; you know, a lot of people pray for long life but when they begin to get old, they are scared.
“You must accept growing old with dignity. You will also learn one thing from falling sick – that no human being is going to live in this world forever. Above all, despite your wealth, you will die and you are not going to take a pin along with you. When you know these things, it helps you to become humble.
“Let me try and simplify what I’m saying so that people can understand it better. Supposing they give me all the wealth in Abuja and ask everyone to leave their houses for me, they mean nothing. I have realised that nobody owns anything. You are sitting in my hotel now, but it will outlive me because when I die, it will still be here. So we don’t own anything. You can deceive yourself and think you own something.”
Born in Otukpo, Benue State and as one of Nigeria’s most iconic music figures, Ikwue’s contributions have earned him a place among other music legends, alongside greats like Fela Anikulapo Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Osita Osadebe, Ebenezer Obey, Victor Olaiya, and Oliver De Coque.
Ikwue’s music style blends his native traditional Idoma sounds with modern influences. His songs often carry inspirational and motivational messages, addressing social issues and promoting unity.
His impact on Nigerian music is significant. For instance, influence on future generations: Ikwue has inspired many Nigerian musicians, including those in the contemporary music scene. Cultural Preservation: His music has helped preserve Idoma cultural heritage and promote Nigerian music globally.
As we reflect on his words, we’re reminded that true wisdom comes from recognising the limitations of our knowledge and being open to learning and growth. At 81, he continues to teach us valuable lessons, both through his music and his inspiring philosophy on life.