Canada-born Nigerian artiste runs back to Niger Delta village, insists Nigeria better

He was born and raised up in Winnipeg, Canada, but the pull of fatherland eventually prevailed.

Ndubuisi Okwumabua has relocated to Isele-Ukwu , Delta. And he likes it there.

In a long rant that reads like a sour-grape rationalization first published in Nigeria Abroad, Ndu, as he’s fondly called, is not blinking over the obvious. He just can’t shake that thing about being home in Nigeria.

“A simple life can be a good life,” he stated. “I am among my uncles, aunties, cousins and family friends. I’m okay. Luckily my parents used to bring my siblings and me to visit Nigeria since we were children, so I’m chill here.

“I’ve written a lot during the pandemic and produced hundreds of songs for other artistes and myself and background music for movies. People are getting to know me around here. That feels hopeful.

“I have a big interest in doing independent mix with afrobeat. I want to do it all, dance music, reflection music, and car-listening music,” he said.

About his career and the Nigerian factors, Ndu said artistes need genuine support in the beginning but there is not much of that in Canada for his type.

“People who are seen as socially acceptable and successful get more grants than those of us who are behind the curve. I do not think that is fair or right.”

He once got a grant.

“When I saw what they needed from me, the red tape and all, I returned it to the funder to avoid any further creative block. I am using my own money to create my music right now. It is a little more cost effective in Nigeria to make music, but that is not including the ongoing electricity problem.

“It is sometimes challenging living in Winnipeg, branded as one of the most racist cities in Canada by Maclean’s magazine, where you can be accused or judged because of the colour of your skin or ethnicity and not by the content of your character.

“Nigeria has its own prejudices and post-colonial tribal conflict, but I am accepted as a human being first here and if you work hard and stay focused, you can own a few things.

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“You may think you own a house after paying for it for 25 years and if you do not pay your taxes, it can be taken away from you. It’s not like that in Nigeria. What you own belongs to you.

“Life is good in Nigeria, not perfect but good. I am creating my music the way I want to. I would rather be free and be happy with myself to live longer.”