Rising Afro Agwụ Artiste Ọcha TK Returns With a Bang!

Emerging indigenous music talent Ernest Onyeyirichukwu Ọgụneme, popularly known as Ọcha TK, is making a powerful return to the Nigerian music scene with a unique sound of his own creation which he calls Afro Agwụ. The Afro Agwu genre of music is a deeply spiritual and culturally rooted blend of traditional Igbo expression and modern Afro-inspired music.

The Anambra-born artiste, who hails from Uga in Aguata Local Government Area, disclosed to Umuaka Times last week that Afro Agwụ is more than just music; it is “the melodic rendition of core esoteric Igbo knowledge using both ancient and modern sounds while preserving authentic Igbo sound signatures and language.”

According to Ọcha TK, the inspiration behind Afro Agwụ comes from Agwụ, which in Igbo cosmology represents the force of creativity, intellect, spirituality, and inspiration. “The tunes and lyrics are not written but inspired by forces beyond me and from experiences gathered through my journey into Igbo spirituality, mystic arts, education, and OdinalanaOmenala Igbo,” he explained.

From an exclusive interview last week with Umuaka Times, Ọcha TK began his musical journey in 2005 and gained recognition in 2018 with the song Igbo Amaka, alongside collaborator Handsome T. The project was produced and mastered at Meskalink Studio by Chukwuemeka Christopher Ezenkwele. However, the artiste stepped away from music in 2022 following the death of his brother, a development that led him into a period of mourning, self-discovery, and cultural exploration.

During his break from music, he co-founded Mmụta Dị Ụtọ, the creative platform behind the popular children’s educational content, Maazị Agụ Cartoons, alongside his partner Udochi Okeke. He also devoted time to teaching the Igbo language online and deepening his understanding of Igbo spirituality and tradition.

After years away from the spotlight, Ọcha TK has officially returned with a new single titled “Ife OnyeAchọ” featuring Damskey Bugatti, which he describes as the beginning of a new chapter in his artistic journey.

A graduate of Federal Polytechnic Oko, where he studied Public Administration, Ọcha TK openly identifies as an adherent of Ọdịnanịhich is also spelt as Odịnala. He describes as the indigenous Igbo understanding that “what we seek is already within us.”

Speaking on the Nigerian music industry, the Afro Agwụ pioneer called on government and private stakeholders to invest more in indigenous and Afrocentric music education.

“We need music institutions that reflect our rhythmical connection with nature and encourage creators to explore indigenous sounds and perspectives. Partnerships with labels and investors can also help promote our local music to the world,” he said.

Asked about the musicians he admires, Ọcha TK listed legendary names such as Oliver De Coque, Mike Ejeagha, Fela, and Peacocks Band, while also praising contemporary acts including Phyno, Flavour, Vector, MI, Jesse Jagz, and Davido.

Though the highly spiritual artiste says he currently has only a few songs available online, the artiste confirmed that his music can be found on platforms including Spotify, Audiomack, Amazon Music, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and other major streaming services.

Ending the interview with a message to fans and supporters, Ọcha TK said: “Life is business, take charge and live with purpose. Life is rhythmical; only those in sync will get the most out of it. Keep supporting me and my craft as we take indigenous music to greater heights. Yagazie.”