Meet Ìgbò Artist, Anyafulugo, Whose Genre Of Music ‘Afro Agwụ’ Is Creating More Awareness For Ìgbò Spirituality 

Anyafulugo, a new and popular face in the Nigerian Afro music scene has caught our attention with his style of music, which he titled “Afro Agwụ.” His boldness, strong spirit, and mastery of ancient Ìgbò Ilu (proverbs) at this early stage of his music career, speaks volumes as to how grand his style of music would be in a few months and years from now. His song ‘Chibuzo’ would leave you mesmerized as though you were listening to Ndị Ịchie themselves having a conversation in Obi Ndị Ịchie – the abode of our noble ancestors.

Stream And Download CHIBUZO Here

The gift of music, which encompasses the fusion of mind-pleasing sounds/beats, the harmony of exceptional voices, and the wisdom brought forth in the lyrics of songs, cannot be separated from the boundless inspiration of the divine. This simply means that every true artist and musician is blessed with special gifts from CHI UKWU Okike – the divine creator. And artists who express the ancient wisdom of our noble Ìgbò ancestors through their music, are indeed a special class of musicians – for even though they are young, they carry great ancestral wisdom, preserved and expressed in them through the gifts of Agwụ. Anyafulugo is one of those exceptionally gifted among us.

We interviewed Anyafulugo recently to learn of his journey so far as an artist, the meaning of his name, and the inspiration behind his brand of music. We had a very intriguing conversation with the enigmatic Anyafulugo. Below are our questions, and what he had to say to our team:

When Did You Start Music? (When Did You Realize You Had The Talent)

So, about music, I used to be a choir boy as a child and even as an adolescent. But I never led the choir. I loved music as a child and the way it made me feel was the most important. Being born into a deeply conservative family made me encounter secular music late. Like the proper one-on-one experience and not the snatches of sounds I hear from buses and the very popular pub that blasted music every evening from outside I and my brother’s room window in Omagba, Onicha. I bought Asa’s debut album when I was in SS2 and snuck to play it on our DVD until I was caught by my father and beaten like a criminal. 

But when I discovered I could do music, it was a couple of weeks before I fixed my Agwụ. I had a dream and, in that dream, I was on a stage singing to people who sang back at me. When I woke up, I told my wife and we laughed about it. But in the laughter, there was perhaps, a longing, a desire to replicate what I had seen in the dream. 

So, after I fixed my Agwụ, music came to me. It was a eureka moment. After I honored the patron deity of creativity, she gave me music as an extra blessing to the ones I had earlier and the ones yet to be unfolded.

Then on the 16th of December 2023, I went to a studio in Awka and recorded my debut single Chibuzo. After the recording session, I couldn’t hold back what I felt and I told the producer that I had never felt this fulfilled ever.

What Genre Of Music Do You Do?

I call it Afro-Agwụ. “Afro-Agwụ is simply controlled information passed down by our ancestors to be voiced out through music. A fusion of hip-hop tunes, African musical instruments, and ancient Ìgbò philosophy hinged on Agwụ which is the patron deity of creativity.” 

I am in awe of the fluidity of Agwụ and how it can be many things at the same time while maintaining its core and center. That is the ability I intend for my music to have. 

How Does Your Spirituality And Understanding Of Ìgbò Odinala Influence Your Music?

The premise of my creative endeavor is hinged on Odinala, which is the center of my identity. So, the understanding of my person will always rub off in all of my artistic creations. Whether music or writing. My art is an index finger pointing to my root. 

What Is Your Educational Background?

I went to DMGS in Onicha. Went to the College of Education in Umunze for my NCE cert and I got my BA from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. 

Do You Have Any Album Or EP?

Most definitely. I have a plan for an EP this year. Last quarter of the year most likely or mid-year. Depends on when Agwụ wants. 

What Is The Meaning Of Your Name Anyafulugo, And Does It Relate To Your Genre Of Music?

The summative explanation of the name goes “Let any eye that beholds an eagle be grateful. For you do not see an eagle every day.” 

About my music, the eagle in Ìgbò ontology is totemic. Ugo tugburu agwo is an expression that reiterates the heroism of the eagle wherever he finds himself. Whether in the skies, earth, water or when he basks in the wind.

Conclusion

In a popular verse from the legendary Ìgbò music maestro Chief Osita Osadebe, he sang ‘Egwu mụ si na mmiri bịa’ – meaning “My music came from the waters.’ In the same vein, we would say that ‘Egwu Anyafulugo si na Agwụ bịa’ – meaning ‘Anyafulugo’s music comes from Agwụ.’ 

We at Voice Of The Sun remain proud of Anyafulugo and wish him all the best in his music career. Ekpere anyị bụ ka Ezumezu Agwụ gọzie ya ma nye ya akọ n’uche bara ụba.

You can Anyafulugo on social media on the handles Below

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Anyafulugo

Facebook: Maazi Anyafulugo

This Article Was Written By Chuka Nduneseokwu, Editor-In-Chief, of Voice Of The Sun

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